Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders: A Family Favorite Recipe

Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food, loved by kids and adults alike. But let’s be honest, sometimes they can be a little… boring. This recipe elevates the humble chicken tender to a crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible delight. These Parmesan Chicken Tenders are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

* **Crispy Texture:** The combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of seasoning creates a wonderfully crispy coating that will have you reaching for seconds.
* **Flavorful:** The Parmesan cheese adds a savory and slightly salty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. The garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning enhance the overall taste, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and this Parmesan version takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Your kids will love them!
* **Versatile:** Serve these tenders as a main course with your favorite sides, or cut them into strips for a delicious salad topping or wrap filling.

**Ingredients You’ll Need**

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.

* **Chicken Tenders:** 1.5 pounds of fresh chicken tenders. Make sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. Used for the first coating to help the egg mixture adhere better.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. The egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** 1 1/2 cups. Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup. Adds a savory, cheesy flavor and contributes to the crispy coating.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle garlic aroma.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Adds depth and complexity to the seasoning blend.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. To season the chicken and bring out the other flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a touch of spice.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for baking the chicken tenders, giving them a golden-brown color and crispy texture.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

**Equipment You’ll Need**

* **Three Shallow Bowls or Plates:** For the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the chicken tenders.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Whisk:** For beating the eggs.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken tenders.

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders.

**Preparation (10 minutes)**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** If your chicken tenders are very thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better.
3. **Set up the Breading Station:** Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork or whisk. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

**Breading the Chicken (15 minutes)**

1. **Coat with Flour:** Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
3. **Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture:** Dredge the egg-coated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken tender is covered in breadcrumbs.
4. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the breaded chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken tenders.

**Baking (20-25 minutes)**

1. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the breaded chicken tenders. This will help them become golden brown and crispy.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Turn for Even Cooking:** After about 12 minutes, flip the chicken tenders to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
4. **Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):** If you want extra crispy chicken tenders, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

**Serving (5 minutes)**

1. **Remove from Oven:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

**Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken Tenders**

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality Parmesan cheese and fresh chicken tenders will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the finished dish.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure the chicken tenders are not touching each other on the baking sheet. This will allow them to cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the chicken tenders can make them dry and tough. Bake them until they are just cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before breading them is essential. This removes excess moisture, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere better, resulting in a crispier coating.
* **Fine Grate Your Parmesan:** Finely grated Parmesan cheese is ideal for the breading mixture. It distributes evenly and melts beautifully, contributing to the overall flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Allowing the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Consider Air Frying:** For an even quicker and potentially healthier option, these tenders can be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

**Dipping Sauce Ideas**

These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a flavorful dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas:

* **Marinara Sauce:** A classic pairing for Italian-inspired dishes.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and tangy favorite.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and savory combination.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** Adds a smoky and tangy flavor.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A rich and flavorful garlic mayonnaise.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a kick.

**Serving Suggestions**

These Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

* **Main Course:** Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Appetizer:** Cut them into strips and serve them with dipping sauces as a party appetizer.
* **Salad Topping:** Slice them and add them to your favorite salad for a protein-packed and flavorful boost.
* **Wrap Filling:** Use them as a filling for wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments.
* **Kids’ Meal:** Serve them with fries or tater tots for a classic kid-friendly meal.

**Variations**

* **Spicy Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Herb Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour.
* **Dairy-Free Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

**Storage Instructions**

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
* **Freeze:** Freeze cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

**Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
3. Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs lightly. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken tenders.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, flipping halfway through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

**Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

Enjoy these Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders! They are sure to become a family favorite. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.