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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Best Easy Recipe

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These crispy baked Parmesan chicken tenders are quick, easy, and deliver that irresistible crunch without deep frying. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, they’re made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and spray it lightly with olive oil.
  2. Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into strips about 1-inch thick. If some pieces are thicker, place them between plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Working one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting extra drip off. Press into panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
  5. Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece.
  6. Spray the tops of the tenders generously with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip each tender using tongs, spray the other side with oil, and bake for another 10-12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the tenders rest on the rack for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the flour step—it helps the breading stick. Grate your own Parmesan for best results. Use a wire rack for maximum crispiness. Let tenders rest after baking to set the coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken tenders

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/crispy-baked-parmesan-chicken-tenders-best-easy-recipe/