Crispy Parmesan chicken tenders are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that delivers restaurant-quality crunch without any deep frying. I’ve perfected this baked version that gives you all the satisfaction of fried chicken with none of the guilt or mess.
There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken and a perfectly seasoned Parmesan crust. Last Tuesday, I was rushing to get dinner on the table for my family when I remembered this recipe my neighbor shared years ago. The aroma that filled my kitchen as these golden beauties baked was absolutely heavenly – and the best part? My kids devoured them without a single complaint. The secret lies in the triple-coating method and a generous helping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with sharp Parmesan cheese—similar to what we use for the crisp crust in our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, just like in my Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken tenders into something extraordinary, giving you that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior every single time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
These baked chicken tenders have become a staple in my kitchen because they solve so many dinner dilemmas at once. I’ve served them to picky eaters, health-conscious friends, and hungry teenagers – everyone always asks for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible results you get every time.
Easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have
Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
Healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without sacrificing any flavor or crunch
Kid-friendly recipe that gets even the pickiest eaters excited about dinner
Perfect for meal prep – they reheat beautifully and taste great cold too
Incredibly versatile – serve as a main dish, slice for salads, or use in wraps and sandwiches
This crispy Parmesan chicken recipe is more than just a weeknight dinner – it’s become my go-to whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Note List
Chicken Tenders: I always choose fresh, high-quality chicken tenders because they cook evenly and stay incredibly juicy throughout the baking process.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are absolutely essential for achieving that signature crispy texture that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan melts beautifully and creates a golden, savory crust that adds incredible depth of flavor to every bite.
Garlic Powder: This adds a subtle warmth and complexity that enhances the overall taste without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
Onion Powder: I love how this brings a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly with the sharp Parmesan and creates a more rounded flavor profile.
Paprika: A touch of paprika not only adds a beautiful color but also contributes a mild smokiness that makes these tenders taste restaurant-quality.
Large Eggs: The eggs act as the perfect binding agent, helping that gorgeous Parmesan coating stick beautifully to each tender.
All-Purpose Flour: This initial flour coating creates the foundation that helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere properly for maximum crispiness.
Olive Oil Spray: A light misting of olive oil is the secret to achieving that golden-brown color and extra crunch without deep frying.
How to Cook Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and all the seasonings, stirring until everything is evenly distributed and smells absolutely wonderful.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to set up a proper coating station with three shallow bowls – flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumb mixture in the third.
Step 4. I’ve found that the key to perfect coating is to work methodically: dip each tender in flour first, then egg (letting the excess drip off), and finally press gently into the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5. When arranging the coated tenders on the baking sheet, I make sure they don’t touch each other – this allows hot air to circulate and creates crispy edges all around.
Step 6. That light spray of olive oil on top is what transforms these from good to absolutely incredible – it’s the secret to achieving that restaurant-style golden color.
Step 7. I usually bake them for 20-25 minutes, but I always check with a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 165°F – perfectly cooked every time.
Step 8. Letting them rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as tender and flavorful as possible.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover crispy Parmesan chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to prevent the coating from getting soggy.
For longer storage, I recommend wrapping individual portions in aluminum foil and placing them in freezer-safe bags – they keep beautifully for up to 3 months. This method makes it easy to grab just what you need for quick meals later.
When it comes to reheating, I’ve found that the oven method works best for maintaining that crispy texture we all love. Simply heat them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just place them on a paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
These oven-baked crispy Parmesan chicken tenders are a healthier, beginner-friendly alternative to fried chicken—ready in under 45 minutes with a crunchy, cheesy coating.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Set up a coating station with 3 bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, one with the breadcrumb mixture.
Coat each chicken tender: dredge in flour, dip in egg (let excess drip), then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Press gently.
Arrange coated tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer, without overlapping.
Lightly spray tops with olive oil spray for better browning.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness. Try adding Italian seasoning or cayenne for variation. Great for meal prep—reheat in the oven to restore crunch.
What to Serve With Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: The sweet and tangy combination creates the perfect contrast to the savory Parmesan coating, making every bite even more irresistible.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These comfort food classics pair beautifully with the crispy tenders, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the chicken while adding fresh vegetables to round out the meal perfectly.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory Parmesan flavors while adding beautiful color and extra nutrition to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: In my kitchen, I often serve bright green broccoli alongside these tenders because the fresh, clean taste provides a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy coating.
Warm Dinner Rolls: Nothing beats serving these crispy tenders with soft, buttery rolls for a complete comfort food experience that the whole family will love.
FAQs
How many calories are in Parmesan chicken tenders?
Each serving of these baked crispy Parmesan chicken tenders contains approximately 350 calories, making them a reasonable choice for most dinner plans while still being satisfying and delicious.
Are baked Parmesan chicken tenders healthy?
I recommend these as a healthier alternative to fried chicken since they’re baked instead of deep-fried, reducing the fat content while still providing excellent protein – about 28 grams per serving.
Can I make crispy Parmesan chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can coat the tenders completely and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, which actually helps the coating adhere even better during cooking.
Why aren’t my Parmesan chicken tenders crispy enough?
To avoid this common issue, make sure you’re using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, don’t skip the olive oil spray, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so hot air can circulate properly.
