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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Easy 30-Min Recipe

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These Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers a satisfying crunch without the mess of deep frying. Made with a Parmesan-panko coating, they’re juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. If some pieces are much thicker than others, gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken strips and toss to coat. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and water together until frothy. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and cayenne (if using). Mix with a fork until evenly distributed.
  5. Working with one piece at a time, dip a chicken strip into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. Place the coated tender on the prepared wire rack. Repeat with all the chicken strips.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes. If you want extra color, flip the tenders and bake for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
  8. Let the tenders rest on the rack for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, try using nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan. For a lower-carb option, crushed pork rinds mixed with Parmesan work well. If you don’t have a wire rack, flip the tenders halfway through cooking. To keep tenders crispy when making a large batch, keep them warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/crispy-baked-parmesan-chicken-tenders-easy-30-min-recipe/