Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crispy golden baked chicken tenders promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Juicy meat nestles beneath a perfectly seasoned crunch that makes your taste buds dance.

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks can master these tender morsels without complex techniques or fancy ingredients.

Mediterranean spices and a light breadcrumb coating create maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Kids and adults alike will devour these protein-packed treats in minutes.

Let me show you how to turn ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that everyone will request again and again.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Tenders

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Marinara Magic: Complement the crispy chicken tenders with a vibrant marinara sauce that cuts through the richness and adds a tangy punch.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Sidekick: Create a light, refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, crispy chicken and provide a bright counterpoint.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio that matches the garlic and Parmesan notes while cutting through the tender's richness.
• Cool Ranch Dressing Companion: Whip up a homemade cool ranch dressing that enhances the garlicky flavor and provides a creamy, herbal contrast to the crispy coating.

Baked Chicken Tenders Crispy Versions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for perfect coating.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispy texture and high protein profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Eliminate added salt and use herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for flavor enhancement. Choose low-sodium Parmesan cheese to control sodium intake.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for similar umami flavor. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and dairy-free milk alternative for egg mixture.

FAQs

• Are these chicken tenders healthier than deep-fried versions?

Yes, baking these chicken tenders reduces oil content and calories while still providing a crispy exterior. By using the oven, you get a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! While panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes. Just ensure the coating is evenly distributed for maximum crispiness.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist while baking?

The egg and olive oil mixture helps lock in moisture, while the short baking time prevents the chicken from drying out. Coating the tenders properly and not overcooking are key to maintaining juicy chicken.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These chicken tenders can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture, making them perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

Crispy Chicken Tenders With Easy Garlic Parmesan Flavor

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds in under 30 minutes.
• Foolproof Cooking: Master this recipe with minimal cooking skills, achieving restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.
• Healthier Comfort Food: Enjoy crispy chicken tenders baked instead of fried, reducing calories while maintaining maximum flavor and crunch.
• Versatile Meal Option: Transform these chicken tenders into sandwiches, salad toppers, or game-day snacks with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Coating and Crunch for Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and of good quality.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Light and crispy coating that provides excellent crunch and rich flavor, Japanese-style breadcrumbs recommended for maximum texture.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spice mix that adds depth and classic savory notes to the chicken.

• Flour, Eggs, Olive Oil: Create the critical layer system for perfect breading, helping the coating stick to the chicken.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve extra golden and crispy exterior, ensures even browning.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herbal accent.

• Favorite Dipping Sauce: Allows personalization of the final dish, can complement the garlic Parmesan flavor profile.

Chicken Tenders Garlic Parmesan Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Create The Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until well blended, creating a flavor-packed crumb mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Dredging Stations

• First bowl: Regular flour
• Second bowl: Whisk eggs with a splash of olive oil
• Third bowl: Your seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Step 4: Coat The Chicken Tenders

• Dust with flour, shaking off excess
• Dunk into egg mixture
• Roll generously in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing coating gently

Step 5: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared sheet.

Leave some breathing room between each piece.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra golden crispiness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Flip chicken halfway through cooking.

Chicken is ready when it reaches a beautiful golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer crispy tenders to a serving plate.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tricks for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Arrange chicken tenders with enough space between them on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness and even cooking.
• Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior that rivals deep-fried versions.
• Customize the breadcrumb mixture by adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra flavor dimension.
• Swap regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked tenders.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Reheating

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date.
• Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Reheat for 30-45 seconds, but expect softer texture compared to oven reheating. Add a paper towel to prevent sogginess.

Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic parmesan crispy baked chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality crunch without deep-frying hassle. Golden-brown perfection awaits with this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings gourmet flavor right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breast, cut into strips)

Breading and Cheese:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Binding:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Cooking spray

Serving Options:

• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare workstation by setting up three distinct shallow dishes: one for seasoned breadcrumb mixture, another for flour, and the third for egg wash.
2. Thoroughly blend panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in first dish to create a uniform coating mixture.
3. Whisk eggs and olive oil together in the third dish until smoothly integrated.
4. Meticulously coat each chicken tender first in flour, ensuring complete and even coverage while shaking off excess.
5. Immediately transfer floured tender into egg mixture, allowing complete submersion to help breadcrumb mixture adhere effectively.
6. Roll coated tender generously in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure thorough and consistent coverage.
7. Position chicken tenders strategically on parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing to promote optimal crispiness.
8. Lightly mist tenders with cooking spray to enhance golden-brown exterior and promote uniform browning.
9. Roast in preheated 400°F oven, rotating tray midway through cooking process to ensure even heat distribution.
10. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior appears crisp and golden.
11. Allow tenders to rest briefly before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley and accompanying with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for 2-3 hours before breading to enhance tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Crispy Texture Hack: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring maximum crunchiness on all sides.
• Flavor Boost: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra aromatic kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg