Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe brings all the satisfaction of restaurant-quality fried chicken right to your home kitchen, but with a healthier oven-baked twist. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for over twenty years, and it never fails to make my grandchildren ask for seconds.
There’s something magical that happens when you combine the nuttiness of real Parmesan cheese with the crunch of golden panko breadcrumbs. The first time I made these chicken tenders was for my youngest daughter’s birthday party, and I watched as every single child—and adult—devoured them with pure joy. What makes this crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe so special is how it delivers that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly tender inside. No deep fryer required, no messy oil cleanup, just pure comfort food that brings the family together around the dinner table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
In my years of feeding hungry families, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe was born from countless weeknight dinners when I needed something that would please everyone from my pickiest eater to my most adventurous food lover.
- Healthier than traditional fried versions without sacrificing any of that satisfying crunch we all crave
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy school nights
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand
- Kid-approved and parent-loved – finally, a dinner that makes everyone happy
- Incredibly versatile – serve as a main dish, slice for salads, or pack for lunch boxes
- Meal prep friendly – these reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day
This recipe has become my go-to whenever I need to feed a crowd or when I want to treat my family to something special that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Note List
Chicken tenders: I always choose fresh chicken tenders over frozen because they cook more evenly and have a better texture when baked.
All-purpose flour: This creates the first layer that helps the egg mixture stick properly to the chicken for that perfect coating.
Large eggs and milk: The milk makes the egg wash smoother and helps create a more tender final result in your chicken tenders.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are absolutely essential for achieving that restaurant-quality crispiness we’re after.
Grated Parmesan cheese: I always recommend freshly grated over pre-packaged because it melts better and delivers a much richer, nuttier flavor.
Garlic powder: This adds a savory depth without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the Parmesan beautifully and adds that classic comfort food taste.
Smoked paprika: This optional ingredient gives a subtle smoky flavor and helps achieve that gorgeous golden color.
Cooking spray: Essential for getting that golden-brown finish on top – don’t skip this step!
How to Cook Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 425°F because a hot oven is crucial for getting that crispy exterior on these chicken tenders.
Step 2. Set up three shallow bowls in a row – flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with milk in the second, and the panko-Parmesan mixture in the third bowl.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels first, and this step makes all the difference for coating adhesion.
Step 4. I’ve found that pressing the breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto each tender ensures it stays put during baking and creates that satisfying crunch.
Step 5. Place your coated tenders on the baking sheet with space between each piece – overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Step 6. That light spray of cooking oil on top is what gives you that golden-brown color that makes these look like they came from a restaurant.
Step 7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through – I use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature.
Step 8. Let them rest for just 3-5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken for maximum tenderness.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent the coating from getting soggy.
For longer storage, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping them individually in foil first, then placing in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need later.
For best results, I always reheat these crispy parmesan chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. The air fryer works wonderfully too – just 3-4 minutes at 350°F. While the microwave is convenient, it won’t maintain that crispy coating we worked so hard to achieve.
Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Set up breading stations: flour in first bowl; eggs and milk whisked in second bowl; panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in third.
- Slice chicken into uniform strips if using whole breasts. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each piece in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg mixture, then coat in Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently.
- Place tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
- Lightly spray tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving with dipping sauces.
Notes
What to Serve With Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots: The natural sweetness of roasted carrots provides a perfect contrast to the savory, cheesy coating of these chicken tenders.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: In my kitchen, I often serve these tenders alongside fluffy mashed potatoes because the combination reminds me of classic Sunday dinners.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance the richness of the Parmesan coating beautifully, plus you can slice the tenders right on top.
Garlic Green Beans: These provide a fresh, crisp element that cuts through the richness while the garlic flavor enhances the overall meal.
Warm Dinner Rolls: My family loves dipping both the chicken and soft rolls into our favorite sauces – it’s comfort food at its finest.
Mac and Cheese: This combo is always a hit at our table, especially when I’m feeding kids who want their favorite foods together.
FAQs
How many calories are in this crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on the size of your chicken tenders. This oven-baked version has significantly fewer calories than deep-fried alternatives while still delivering incredible flavor.
Are baked parmesan chicken tenders healthy?
I recommend these as a healthier alternative to fried chicken because they’re baked with minimal oil while still providing over 30 grams of protein per serving. The Parmesan adds calcium, and you control exactly what goes into the coating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs – the results are just as crispy and delicious.
Why aren’t my chicken tenders crispy enough?
To avoid this issue, try increasing your oven temperature to 450°F and make sure you’re using the cooking spray on top. Many home cooks forget that final spray, but it’s essential for achieving that golden, restaurant-quality crispiness.
