Description
This Baked Chicken Tenders Parmesan recipe offers a healthier take on the classic chicken parmesan by baking crispy, cheesy chicken tenders instead of frying. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for family dinners or quick meals, it combines tender chicken with a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating, Italian herbs, and optional melted mozzarella for extra gooeyness. It’s a versatile, kid-friendly, and delicious dish that pairs well with pasta, salad, or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 to 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for coating
Optional Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then dredge the tender thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, full coating for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated tenders spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders to help them crisp. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to promote even browning and cooking.
- Add the Cheese Topping: In the last 2-4 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each tender. Return the pan to the oven until the mozzarella melts and bubbles slightly.
- Serve Hot: Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes to keep them juicy and allow the cheese to set before serving.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading stick better and create a crunchier texture.
- Use panko bread crumbs for extra crispiness over regular crumbs.
- For ultra-crispy tenders, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating step.
- Flip tenders halfway through baking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space for heat circulation to avoid soggy coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: baked chicken tenders, chicken parmesan, healthy chicken recipe, crispy chicken tenders, kid-friendly dinner, baked chicken parmesan