Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and tender. Unlike fried tenders, this baked version is healthier but still delivers that satisfying crispiness everyone loves. The Parmesan coating is packed with flavor, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender. These tenders are quick and easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights, but they’re also impressive enough to serve at a gathering or as part of a fun dinner spread. Plus, you can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender first in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little extra heat.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an added layer of flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Use other types of cheese, like mozzarella or Romano, for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Try this coating on tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative to chicken tenders.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat the tenders in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and the coating is crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but make sure to slice them into strips to maintain the size and shape of tenders.
2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While panko breadcrumbs give the tenders a light, crispy texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs if panko is unavailable. Just note that they may not be as crunchy.
3. Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tenders and coat them in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken tenders for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from the freezer, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. What sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
These tenders are delicious with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce.
7. Can I bake these chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
9. Can I make the coating spicier?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture to give the tenders a spicy kick.
10. How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy after baking?
To keep the tenders crispy, avoid covering them with foil after baking, as that can trap moisture. You can also place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation while baking.
Conclusion
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a simple and delicious meal that delivers both flavor and crunch. The combination of the golden, cheesy coating and juicy chicken is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties. With easy prep and minimal cleanup, this recipe will become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Whether served as a main dish or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces, these tenders are sure to impress!
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy, golden Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders coated in a flavorful Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a classic.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender first in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat tenders in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
For an herb twist, add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
