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To make Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, gather these main items: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard These ingredients form the base of your dish. Fresh Parmesan cheese gives a rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add a light crunch. Next, add these spices to enhance taste: - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic powder brings a warm kick. Italian seasoning provides a blend of herbs. Paprika adds color and a hint of smoke. For the best experience, pair your chicken tenders with these sauces: - Marinara sauce - Lemon garlic aioli Marinara sauce offers a tangy touch. Lemon garlic aioli gives a creamy and zesty twist. These sauces will elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy chicken. While it heats, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes cleanup easy. Next, I make the Parmesan coating. In a shallow bowl, I mix together 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for extra crunch), 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I stir well to combine everything. The mix should smell amazing and look inviting. Now, I prepare the chicken tenders. In a separate bowl, I whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth. I dip each chicken tender into the egg mix, letting the extra drip off. Then, I coat it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. I press gently to ensure each tender gets a good layer. I place the breaded tenders on the baking sheet as I go. Before baking, I drizzle a little olive oil over each tender. This helps achieve a golden color. I then place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. I bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy. To check if they're done, I cut into one to ensure it’s juicy and no longer pink inside. After baking, I let them rest for a few minutes before serving. To get that perfect crisp on your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, follow these steps: - Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. - Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken. This helps it stick. - Drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This adds flavor and aids browning. - Bake at 400°F (200°C) for that golden, crunchy finish. If you have leftover chicken tenders, storing them is easy. Put them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. To elevate your chicken tenders, try these ideas: - Serve with marinara sauce for a classic touch. - Pair with lemon garlic aioli for a creamy dip. - Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, for a burst of color and taste. These options will make your meal even more enjoyable! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the crispiness of your coating. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavor profile. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Experiment with Dips: While marinara and lemon garlic aioli are great options, try serving these tenders with a spicy sriracha mayo or a classic ranch dressing for a twist. {{image_2}} You can make these chicken tenders even more tasty by adding herbs and spices. Try adding fresh parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture. This will add a nice green color and fresh flavor. If you love heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. It gives a nice kick and pairs well with the cheese. You could also use dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor. Just remember to mix them in well for even taste. If you want a different texture, try using crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs. Almonds or walnuts can add crunch and a unique flavor to the tenders. For a gluten-free option, use ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with cornflakes for a super crispy layer. Just crush them up and use them like breadcrumbs. The options are endless, so have fun with it! Pair these chicken tenders with tasty sides. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve them with sweet potato fries for a fun twist. Another option is creamy mashed potatoes, which balance the crunch of the tenders. For a light touch, try steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. They add color and nutrients to your meal. To store leftover Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can stack them with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from getting soggy. Store in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze these chicken tenders for later use. After they cool, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat chicken tenders, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crunch. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, thaw them first. This helps the coating stick better. Bake them longer if needed, as frozen tenders take more time to cook. To make the coating stick better, ensure the chicken is dry. Pat the tenders with paper towels. Use the egg mixture generously to coat each piece. Press the chicken into the crumb mixture firmly. This helps the coating cling during baking. You can use crushed crackers or panko if you need a substitute. Ground oats also work well. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each gives a unique texture and flavor to your chicken. Cooked chicken tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Parmesan crusted chicken tenders are a tasty dish that anyone can make. We covered key ingredients, spices, and easy instructions to create a crispy meal. You also learned tips for storage and reheating, plus fun variations to try. Use these ideas to boost your cooking skills. Enjoy the process and make it your own! Delicious chicken tenders are just a recipe away.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  • Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Once all tenders are coated, drizzle olive oil over the top of each tender to help them achieve a golden color during baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crisp and golden.
  • Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they are juicy.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of marinara sauce or lemon garlic aioli.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, Parmesan, tenders