PARMESAN CRUST CHICKEN TENDERS

Are you tired of bland, boring chicken tenders? Do you crave that satisfying crunch without all the guilt of frying? I’ve been there, battling the same weeknight dinner dilemmas! But fear not, because I’m about to share the secret to making unbelievably delicious, crispy, and healthy Crunchy Parmesan Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders that will have everyone begging for more. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s simple enough for any home cook to achieve!

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create these amazing chicken tenders:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins: Fresh is best, but thawed works too!
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: For an even better crust

For the Parmesan Coating:

• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, the real deal!
• 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko is KEY for maximum crunch.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Helps everything stick together and browns beautifully.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning: Adds depth of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground, if you have it!

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 Large Eggs: Lightly beaten.
• 1 tbsp Milk or Water: To thin out the eggs slightly.

Step-by-Step to Crispy Chicken Perfection

Let’s get down to the business of making these irresistible chicken tenders! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a plateful of crispy goodness in no time.

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the chicken: If your chicken tenderloins are thick, you can slice them lengthwise to create thinner strips. This helps them cook evenly and become extra crispy.

Crafting the Parmesan Crust:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko bread crumbs, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and slightly moistened by the olive oil. This is your flavor powerhouse!

Setting Up the Breading Station:

1. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water). This is your egg wash, which will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
2. Place the flour in a third shallow dish. Having everything set up in an assembly line makes the process so much smoother!

Breading the Chicken:

1. Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
3. Finally, press the chicken tenderloin into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well. Coat both sides completely.
4. Place the breaded chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Baking to Golden Brown:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!

The Secret to Ultimate Crunch: Panko Power!

I can’t stress enough how important Panko breadcrumbs are for achieving that perfect crunch. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, Panko is made from crustless bread that’s processed into large, airy flakes. This unique texture allows for maximum crispiness when baked or fried. Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs if you want the ultimate crunch!

Troubleshooting: Avoiding Soggy Tenders

The biggest fear with oven-baked chicken is ending up with soggy tenders. Here’s how to prevent that:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the chicken from getting crispy. Bake in batches if necessary.
• Use parchment paper: This helps the chicken release easily and prevents it from sticking to the pan, which can lead to soggy bottoms.
• Don’t skip the flour: The flour layer creates a barrier between the chicken and the egg wash, helping the coating adhere better and preventing sogginess.
• Don’t over-bake: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the coating tough. Keep a close eye on the chicken and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.

Parmesan Perfection: Choosing the Right Cheese

While you can use pre-shredded Parmesan in a pinch, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the way to go for the best flavor and texture. Look for a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano – these cheeses have a rich, nutty flavor that will elevate your chicken tenders to the next level. Avoid the powdered stuff – it won’t melt properly and won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Flavor Variations: Spice It Up!

These Crunchy Parmesan Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a little kick.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the Parmesan mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the Parmesan mixture for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Garlic Lovers: Add more minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the Parmesan mixture for an extra garlicky punch.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

These Crunchy Parmesan Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Dip: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.
• Salad Topper: Slice the chicken tenders and add them to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches: Serve the chicken tenders on toasted buns with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a quick and easy chicken parmesan sandwich.
• Pasta Night: Serve alongside a bowl of GARLICKY PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA for a hearty and satisfying meal. Or try them with GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA HEAVEN!
• Snack Attack: Serve them as a party snack with a variety of dipping sauces. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!

More Parmesan-Packed Delights

If you’re as obsessed with Parmesan as I am, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Craving something creamy? Give CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN a try! It’s pure comfort food.
• For a fun appetizer, whip up a batch of CHEESY PARMESAN MOZZARELLA BOMBS. They’re addictive!
• Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal? DREAMY PARMESAN CHICKEN RECIPE is your answer!
• For a summer barbecue option, try GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN SKEWERS.

Embrace the Crunch!

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Crunchy Parmesan Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders. I promise, once you try these, you’ll never go back to boring chicken tenders again. These are easy, delicious, and healthier than fried, making them the perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. Now go forth and conquer your kitchen, my friend, and get ready to enjoy some seriously satisfying crunch!

Parmesan Crust Chicken Tenders

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Enjoy crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crust Chicken Tenders without the guilt of frying. This recipe uses a simple oven-baking method to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy crust that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or as a protein-packed addition to salads.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven
• Meat thermometer
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 tbsp Milk or Water

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare the chicken: If chicken tenderloins are thick, slice them lengthwise to create thinner strips.
• In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko bread crumbs, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water).
• Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
• Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
• Press the chicken tenderloin into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well. Coat both sides completely.
• Place the breaded chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the chicken gets crispy. To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.