Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Golden, herb-coated chicken tenders baked crisp for a juicy and flavorful main dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lbs chicken breast tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Dredging
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 tbsp milk
→ For greasing
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil or spray with nonstick spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until combined.
03 - In a separate shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with breadcrumb mixture.
05 - Place coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until coating is golden and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Serve the chicken tenders hot alongside your preferred dipping sauce.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe gives you that crispy, baked satisfaction without the guilt of frying, which feels like sharing a delicious secret.
- The combination of Parmesan and Italian herbs creates a flavor profile that quickly became a family favorite in our home.
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before coating is key to getting that coating to stick properly and crisp up well.
- Adding a light drizzle of oil on top before baking transforms the panko from good to unforgettable crunch.
03 -
- Don't skip the Italian herbs; they lend incredible flavor that transforms simple chicken into something memorable.
- The secret to extra crispiness is the double hit: egg wash then panko mixture with just a touch of oil before baking.