Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders 🍗🧀
These crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken tenders are oven-baked to golden perfection! Perfect for a family meal or snack.
📌 Servings: 4
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⚡ Total Time: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds extra flavor!)
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (adds color & mild smokiness)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. (This helps them get crispy!)
3️⃣ Set Up the Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and Dijon mustard.
- Bowl 3: Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender in flour, coating completely. Shake off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat in the bread crumb & Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Place breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
5️⃣ Spray for Extra Crispiness
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil.
6️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara!
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
🥒 Low-Carb Option? – Swap flour for almond flour and use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
🌶 Spicy Version? – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
🧄 Extra Crunch? – Use panko bread crumbs instead of regular.
🧀 More Cheese? – Mix in shredded mozzarella with the bread crumbs!
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
📌 Calories: ~300 kcal
📌 Protein: ~30g
📌 Carbs: ~20g
📌 Fat: ~12g
(Varies based on bread crumbs & oil amount.)
💬 What’s your go-to dipping sauce for these crispy tenders? 🤩
