Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Craving a restaurant-quality dinner without the guilt? These oven-baked Parmesan chicken tenders deliver that satisfying crunch you love right at home! The secret lies in the triple-coating process, which creates an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken perfectly juicy inside. And let’s not forget the seasoning; it’s a perfect balance of Italian herbs, garlic, and just a hint of paprika. Dip them in marinara, ranch, or honey mustard (or all three if you feel bold). Who needs takeout when homemade tastes this good?
Why You’ll Love These Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Texture: These chicken tenders bake to golden-brown perfection. The crunchy panko-Parmesan coating rivals deep-fried options.
- Time-Saver: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these tenders require minimal prep work and simple pantry ingredients.
- Irresistible Taste: The combination of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic creates a savory, well-seasoned bite in every tender.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these tenders are a versatile main dish or snack everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: Perfect for breading and baking to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide a lighter, crunchier coating for the chicken tenders.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create the golden, crispy crust when mixed with panko.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a uniform coating.
- Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to make the coating stick.
- Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the Parmesan.
- Seasonings: Salt and black pepper for basic seasoning, Italian seasoning for herbal notes, paprika for color and light sweetness, and onion powder for a subtle onion flavor.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Tenders
When you see how easy these tenders are to make, you’ll skip the drive-thru for good!
Prepare the oven.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Season the chicken.
Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Set up a breading station.
In the first shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the minced garlic until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bread the chicken.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring the garlic adheres to the chicken. Coat the chicken in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Prepare for baking.
Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Bake the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve.
Serve the baked Parmesan chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Be generous! Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned with salt and pepper before dredging to enhance flavor.
- Give them a flavor boost. Adding minced garlic to the egg mixture infuses the tenders with a robust garlic flavor.
- Try tasty variations. Experiment with flavors using seasoned breadcrumbs or incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the coating.
- Give them a kick! Add a little cayenne pepper to the breading to amp up the spice.
- Have fun with dippers. Pair with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for perfect complement to the tenders. Try homemade sauces like honey BBQ or Bang Bang sauce for extra flair.
How to Store
Have leftovers? Keep your tenders fresh to enjoy throughout the week by following these simple steps.
To Store: Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re at room temperature before storing, and don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours after cooking.
To Freeze: Arrange the cooled tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3-4 months.
To Reheat: For the crispiest results, heat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes, or bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
