Baked Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Crispy, cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Parmesan combines tender chicken coated in a golden, crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection for a quick, family-friendly, and healthier twist on classic chicken Parmesan.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs used)
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders, boneless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth to create the egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, then firmly press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides thoroughly for a crispy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack for even air circulation and crisping.
- Lightly Oil and Bake: Spray the tenders generously with olive oil spray to promote browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even golden crispiness.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes after baking to allow the cheese crust to set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken tenders for the best cooking and crispiness results.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil spray is essential for achieving a golden crust without frying.
- Flip tenders halfway during baking to ensure even cooking and color.
- Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor and texture over pre-grated varieties.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze uncooked breaded tenders for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to keep crispiness; avoid microwave reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 2 tenders)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: baked chicken tenders, chicken Parmesan, crispy chicken, Parmesan chicken, healthy chicken tenders, oven-baked chicken, family dinner, easy chicken recipe