Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken tender that's packed with cheesy Parmesan flavor and so crispy it shatters with each bite - without the greasy mess of deep frying! These oven-baked chicken tenders are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution that will have both kids and adults begging for seconds. Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, beat the two eggs until well blended. This will be your egg wash for the chicken tenders.
- Take each chicken tender and season it lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Dip each chicken tender 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 it into the mixture to ensure it is well coated on all sides. Place the coated tender on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating process for all chicken tenders, arranging them on the baking sheet with some space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the chicken tenders are coated, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain their juiciness.
- Serve the crispy baked Parmesan chicken tenders warm, with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick better
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tender space to ensure even browning
- For extra crunch, consider adding a pinch of panko breadcrumbs to your coating mixture
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F
- Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help retain their juiciness
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 135mg
