Are you ready to transform ordinary chicken tenders into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds? Imagine golden, crispy chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection with zero deep-frying guilt! These Oven Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders are not just a meal – they're a culinary adventure that combines convenience, flavor, and that satisfying crunch we all love. Whether you're meal prepping, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In another shallow bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until well combined. This will serve as the egg wash for the chicken tenders.
- Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, transfer the egg-coated chicken tender to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully covered on all sides. Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating process with all the chicken tenders, arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the chicken tenders are coated and arranged, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken tenders are baking, you can prepare any sides you plan to serve with them, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them retain their crispiness.
- If you are making this as a freezer meal, allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Tips
- Pat your chicken tenders dry before coating to help the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- For extra crispiness, consider adding a light spray of cooking oil on top of the tenders before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each tender some breathing room for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For gluten-free options, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make extra and freeze for quick future meals – they reheat beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg
