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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe Easy Baked to Perfection

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This recipe delivers golden, crunchy, and juicy chicken tenders baked to perfection with a crispy parmesan and panko coating, perfect for quick weeknight dinners without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh or thawed chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or almond/coconut flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on top to allow air circulation and crispiness.
  2. Prep the coating stations: In one shallow dish, place the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press into the parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring full coating.
  4. Arrange tenders spaced apart on the wire rack.
  5. Lightly drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the tenders to encourage browning.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 8-9 minutes), until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the tenders rest 3-5 minutes after baking to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to ensure even crispiness and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is key for a crunchy crust. For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crunch. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or Italian herbs for flavor. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken tenders, gluten-free chicken tenders, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-baked-to-perfection/