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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders - featured image

These crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders are golden and crunchy on the outside with juicy, tender chicken inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for quick, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders, trimmed and patted dry
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free alternative optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix), optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour, optional
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Prepare three bowls: one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg, letting the extra drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. Place each coated tender on the wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray to help crisp the crust.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use a wire rack to ensure even crispiness. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Pat chicken dry before coating to help the crust stick. Flip tenders halfway through baking for even browning. Avoid overbaking to keep chicken juicy. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free milk alternative in the egg wash. For gluten-free, swap flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free panko.

Nutrition

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