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
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat the Tenders: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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!