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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders Easy Baked Recipe for Perfect Crunch

crispy parmesan crusted chicken tenders - featured image

This easy baked recipe delivers golden, crunchy chicken tenders with a savory parmesan crust, perfect for a quick and mess-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders, trimmed and patted dry
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can swap with gluten-free flour)
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Position a rack in the center for even heat circulation.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Set up the dredging station with flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumb mixture in the last bowl.
  4. Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs letting excess drip off, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture to coat fully.
  5. Arrange tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping tenders halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let tenders rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack for crispier crust; if unavailable, flip tenders halfway on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For gluten-free, substitute panko and flour with gluten-free alternatives. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and plant-based egg replacer. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even crispiness. Let tenders rest after baking for best texture.

Nutrition

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