Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible 🍗🧀

These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious way to satisfy your craving for crispy, cheesy comfort food! Coated in a creamy, Parmesan-packed mixture with savory spices, these tenders bake to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or kid-friendly meals, they’re juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of veggies for a meal everyone will love!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Coat the Tenders: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan mixture.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
  5. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and slightly crispy. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a minute. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ) or alongside roasted veggies or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

  • Lighter Option: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise cuts calories while keeping the tenders moist and flavorful.
  • Add Crunch: Mix in 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs with the coating for extra crispiness.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy or smoky twist.
  • Meal Prep: These tenders reheat well in the oven or air fryer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a side of fries for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of juicy chicken and a rich, cheesy coating that’s bursting with flavor. They’re quick to prep, bake in no time, and versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or a party platter. With a crispy exterior and tender, succulent interior, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Try these tenders and share your delicious results! Tag us with #MeltInYourMouthTenders on social media. Happy cooking!

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