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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 2 large eggs - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil Each ingredient plays a key role in taste and texture. The chicken tenders provide a tender base. The Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs create the crispy crust. Garlic and onion powder add depth to the flavor. Italian herbs give a hint of freshness. Feel free to add extra flavors. You can use smoked paprika for a warm kick. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper adds heat. You might also try fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and taste. These options can make your chicken tenders even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and turn crispy. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and prevents the tenders from sticking. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to blend all the flavors. This mixture creates a tasty, crunchy crust that makes the chicken shine. In a separate bowl, beat two large eggs until they are smooth. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the tender in the Parmesan-Panko mixture. Press gently to help the crust stick well. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake your chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be cooked through and have a golden brown crust. For extra crispiness, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. To ensure a crispy texture, lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the coated tenders before baking. This small step adds moisture and helps the crust get that perfect crunch. You can also use a wire rack on the baking sheet for better air circulation, which encourages even cooking. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To cook chicken well, start with fresh tenders. Choose tenders that are pink and firm. Before cooking, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before coating. This adds flavor right from the start. One common mistake is not drying the chicken. Pat the tenders with paper towels first. This helps the crust stick better. Another mistake is skipping the egg wash. The egg helps the cheese and crumbs stick. Finally, do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each tender space so they crisp up nicely. To ensure even cooking, use similar-sized tenders. This way, they cook at the same rate. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking. This helps all sides get that nice golden color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders will yield the best flavor and texture. Always choose high-quality meat for optimal results. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Keep It Crisp: For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the tenders while baking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for more flavor. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Mozzarella adds creaminess but less flavor. For a milder touch, use Gouda. Each cheese gives a unique twist to your Parmesan crust. If you want gluten-free chicken tenders, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer a good texture and taste. You can also pulse gluten-free crackers in a food processor. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Do you like some heat? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crust mix. This gives the chicken tenders a spicy kick. You can also dip them in hot sauce after baking for an extra boost. Spice levels can be adjusted based on your taste. After enjoying your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, let any leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store them separately from any dipping sauces to keep them crisp. To reheat the chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they become warm and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy. If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You can check if chicken tenders are done by using a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one tender open. The meat should be white, not pink. Cooking time will vary, but it usually takes 15-20 minutes in the oven. Yes, you can make Parmesan crusted chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway. They will be crispy and golden, just like in the oven! These tenders pair well with a few sides. Try serving them with marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. You can prepare the chicken tenders a day in advance. Coat them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and store in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just pop them in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This article covered everything you need for Parmesan crusted chicken tenders. We discussed the right ingredients, exact measurements, and optional extras for better flavor. I walked you through each step to get crispy, tasty tenders. We shared tips to avoid mistakes and ensure even cooking. You learned variations for cheese, gluten-free options, and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently prepare, store, and enjoy flavorful chicken tenders any time. Your cooking journey just got easier. Happy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Crispy and flavorful chicken tenders coated in a Parmesan and Panko crust.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 2 large eggs
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the crust mixture.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
  • Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the Parmesan-Panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust.
  • Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders to help them crisp up during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  • If a crispier texture is desired, switch the oven to broil in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce and a fresh green salad. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, Parmesan, tenders