Introduction

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken. They’re golden, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tenders are sure to be a family favorite.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface holding several pieces of golden brown crispy breaded chicken tenders arranged in a slightly overlapping circle. One piece in the center is broken to show the tender white meat inside. To the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a thick dark brown dipping sauce. The texture of the chicken coating looks crunchy and coarse with visible flakes of seasoning, and the lighting highlights the crispiness well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenderloins or chicken breast, sliced into strips
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 large eggs
2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Olive oil for spraying chicken tenders

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with a wire rack and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or whole milk), white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
Step 4: In a third bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 6: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Step 7: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack.
Step 8: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.
Step 9: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 10: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and combine them with Italian-style for added flavor.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
If you prefer gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Make a batch ahead and freeze the coated tenders; bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or marinara for different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for 8-10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds about eight golden-brown breaded chicken nuggets arranged around a small white bowl filled with dark brown dipping sauce with a shiny surface. One nugget is near the center, broken to show the white, tender inside, contrasting with the crunchy textured outside. The nuggets vary in size and shape, with a crumbly outer crust that looks crisp and well-seasoned. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to use as tenders. Just ensure the pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

How do I make these tenders extra crispy?

Spraying the coated tenders lightly with olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy texture. Using a wire rack also allows air to circulate around the chicken for even crispiness.