Get ready for a foolproof dinner that will win over everyone at the table! Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the answer to your craving for crispy, golden chicken without a greasy mess or hours spent in the kitchen. With a breathtakingly crunchy coating, tender chicken, and savory bursts of Parmesan in every bite, these chicken tenders come out of the oven perfectly golden and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re feeding kids or channeling your own inner child, this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe truly shines because of its straightforward lineup of ingredients, each one earning its place for both flavor and texture. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be amazed how much depth and crunch each little touch adds to the final dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: These make the perfect base—juicy, mild, and the ideal size for coating and baking to crisp perfection.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Choose panko for extra crunch; these light, airy flakes become golden and crisp in the oven.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan takes the crisp coating to a gourmet level.
- Garlic powder: Adds a deep savory punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Lends a mild sweetness and helps round out the seasoning mix.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced mix of dried herbs that brings aromatic complexity—swap in your own blend if you like!
- Paprika: A hint of smokiness and an inviting color to perk up your tenders.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every flavor in the mix.
- Black pepper: A subtle heat that sharpens the overall taste.
- Eggs: These coat and bind the crumbs to the chicken so every bite is deliciously crisp.
- Milk: Thins out the egg wash just enough for an even, light coating.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: A light mist before baking provides that perfect oven-fried finish.
How to Make Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—it’s the secret to that ultra-crisp exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for max crunch. The rack helps the heat circulate, so your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders get golden all over.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture turns into a sticky, perfect blanket for the crumbs to cling to. Don’t skip this step: it’s key for even coating and moisture inside every tender.
Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Coating
Grab another bowl and combine your panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This step builds the backbone of the flavor and crunch—the blend of herbs and cheese means you get a taste of everything with each bite.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off to prevent sogginess. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure every inch is completely covered. This double-dipping moment creates that signature crunch everyone goes wild for in Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Step 5: Arrange and Spray
Place each coated tender onto your prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Make sure they’re spaced out so the hot air can crisp up every side. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray—this step is what transforms the oven into your secret fried-chicken hack, bringing you golden brown, addictive crust with none of the fuss.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake your chicken tenders for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The exterior becomes gorgeously golden and crunchy, while the inside stays juicy and tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a thermometer in the center reads 165°F. Let them cool for a minute or two (if you can wait!) before serving for peak enjoyment.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil brings vibrant color and herbaceous aroma to your platter of Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders. A final dusting of Parmesan is never a bad idea—go ahead and shower it over while the tenders are hot, so it melts just the tiniest bit.
Side Dishes
Pair these tenders with anything from classic French fries or sweet potato wedges to a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly pairing, mac and cheese or creamy coleslaw is unbeatable. Don’t forget the dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, or honey mustard are crowd-pleasers every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a basket with parchment for a picnic feel, or slice them for homemade chicken Caesar salads. They’re perfect in wraps with crisp lettuce and tomatoes, or even chopped up as a protein boost on top of pasta for an Italian-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to three days—just try not to snack on them all straight from the fridge!
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooked, cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to two months. This way, you’ll always have a batch ready for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
To restore that irresistible crunch, reheat your Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp. The oven is best—microwaving can soften the coating, but the oven will bring them right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but panko breadcrumbs really do make a difference for that extra light and crispy texture. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, the tenders will still be tasty—just a little less airy and crunchy.
Is fresh Parmesan better than pre-grated Parmesan in this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan often has a stronger, more authentic flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan works just fine and is wonderfully convenient. Either way, you’ll end up with cheesy, savory Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free panko and double-check your spices and cheese are gluten-free. The results will still be deliciously crispy and satisfying.
What’s the best way to ensure even browning?
Using a wire rack on your baking sheet lets air circulate all around each tender, resulting in even browning and the crispest shell. Don’t forget to flip halfway through baking, and give each piece plenty of space.
Which dipping sauces go best with Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Marinara and ranch are classic pairings, but you can also try honey mustard, barbecue, garlic aioli, or even buffalo sauce if you like things spicy. The tenders’ cheesy, herby coating plays well with a wide variety of dips, so experiment to find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders enough—they combine everything I love about comfort food with a streamlined, healthier approach that never skimps on flavor or crunch. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, game day appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing party platter, I’m confident they’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of golden, crispy, cheesy perfection!
Print
Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Oven-Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, they are baked to golden perfection for a crispy finish. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these chicken tenders are sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Others:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Prepare egg wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Make breadcrumb coating: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow airflow around the tenders.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- These tenders pair well with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
