Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with these mouthwatering Parmesan Chicken Tenders that promise a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness and tender, juicy chicken. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, perfectly seasoned tender that's packed with Italian flavors and delivers a satisfying crunch in every single bite. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that takes just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. This will serve as the binding agent for the breading.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better to the chicken.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess egg to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken tender in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres completely and evenly.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Tips
- Pat your chicken tenders completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor in your breading mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tender enough space to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs to your breading mixture.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain its moisture and make the meat more tender.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to keep the meal exciting and versatile for everyone's taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 235kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 165mg
