Name: Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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If you’re looking for the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and juicy, you’ve just found your new weeknight obsession. These Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders check all the boxes: golden coating, savory Parmesan flavor in every bite, and a tender, juicy center, all without the mess of frying! Whether you need a family-friendly dinner, a protein-packed snack, or an irresistibly dippable party platter, this easy recipe delivers on flavor and crispiness, all while keeping things lighter and breezier in the kitchen.

Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders is that their unforgettable flavor comes from simple, everyday ingredients! Each component is carefully chosen to add something special—delicate crunch, bold cheesy notes, or a gentle kick of spice—so don’t be tempted to leave anything out.

Chicken tenders: These are perfectly sized for dipping, and bake up moist and tender on the inside.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving a crisp, airy crust without deep frying is this Japanese-style breadcrumb.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Using the real stuff makes all the difference, adding nutty, salty depth to the coating.
Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, rich aroma without overpowering your taste buds.
Paprika: This spice isn’t just for color—it adds a gentle smokiness and warmth to the tenders.
Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and waking up your palate.
Black pepper: A little pepper goes a long way in balancing all the savory, cheesy goodness.
Eggs: These act as the glue that helps the delicious coating cling to every inch of chicken.
Olive oil or melted butter: A drizzle ensures the tenders get beautifully crispy and golden in the oven.

How to Make Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Preheat

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to a roaring 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring maximum crispiness right from the start. Grab a sturdy baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it if that’s what you have on hand. This prevents unwanted sticking and encourages even browning underneath every tender.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk up the eggs until smooth—this gives your chicken tenders a sticky base for the delicious coating to adhere to. In a second bowl, toss together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. As you mix, the aroma will remind you of your favorite Italian trattoria!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Working one at a time, dip each chicken tender first into the eggs to fully coat it, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Don’t rush; take the time to gently press the crunchy coating all over, making sure every nook and cranny is covered for that extra crispy bite. Lay each tender on your prepared baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Add the Final Touch for Crispiness

Now for the secret weapon: a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter over the coated tenders. This little step guarantees the coating bakes up golden, crackly, and absolutely irresistible. If you prefer, a quick spritz with cooking spray works nicely, too!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This mid-bake flip helps both sides get equally crispy. When the coating is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Elevate your platter by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon brings brightness that perfectly complements the cheesy undertones.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with classic sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or a pile of crispy sweet potato fries. For something a little more indulgent, pair your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these tenders appetizer-style with a lineup of your favorite dips (think: honey mustard, ranch, or marinara). For lunchboxes, tuck them into whole grain wraps with crisp lettuce and tomatoes. You can even serve them over a bed of greens for a satisfying protein boost in salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for snacking or quick lunches.

Freezing

These tenders are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This keeps them from sticking together, and they’ll be ready to reheat straight from the freezer for a homemade fast-food fix anytime.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in the oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the coating won’t stay as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into similar-sized strips so they’ll bake evenly and give you that classic tender texture.

What can I use instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version?

Nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute—it adds a cheesy, umami kick without the dairy, keeping the coating flavorful and crisp.

How do I make these gluten-free?

It’s easy! Simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why did my chicken tenders come out soggy?

Sogginess often happens if the baking sheet is overcrowded or if you skip drizzling oil or butter. Make sure to leave space between the tenders, and don’t skimp on that drizzle for maximum crunch.

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can bread the tenders a few hours ahead and refrigerate them on the baking sheet. When it’s go-time, simply bake as directed for hot, crispy, party-perfect tenders.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders that’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “golden and delicious”! Happy baking!

Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these tenders are baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 pound chicken tenders

Breadcrumb Mixture:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Coating:

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the coatings: Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender in the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.