Craving a deliciously crispy and cheesy dish that’s quick to whip up? Look no further than these Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders! Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these tenders are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier alternative to fried chicken. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can serve up a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game and impress your family with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg until well blended. This will serve as the binding agent for the breading.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better to the chicken.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow excess egg to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken tender in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely and evenly.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tender to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find tenders, you can slice chicken breasts into strips.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prepare the breading mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just coat the chicken when you’re ready to bake!
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Adjust the garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking will help keep them juicy and enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with Dips: Pair these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard to add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
