Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken tenders parmesan! I mean, who can resist that crispy, golden exterior paired with the rich, cheesy flavor of Parmesan? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I remember the first time I made these for my family—everyone went wild! We had a little dinner party, and they were gobbled up faster than I could serve them. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, which means I can indulge without the guilt. Trust me, when you take that first bite and the crunch gives way to juicy chicken and that savory cheese, you’ll be hooked! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a fun gathering. You’ll want to have these chicken tenders parmesan on repeat in your kitchen! So, let’s dive into making this delicious dish that’ll surely impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients for Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to create your mouthwatering chicken tenders parmesan:
- 1 pound chicken tenders – fresh and tender for the best results
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I love using seasoned ones for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is a game changer!
- 2 eggs – these will help the coating stick perfectly
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – to add a nice hint of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all those delicious flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a pinch for a little kick
- 1/4 cup olive oil – this helps to achieve that golden crispiness
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking to streamline the process!
How to Prepare Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your crispy chicken tenders parmesan that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven will give you that perfect golden crust! While that’s warming up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep those tenders from sticking. You’ll want to set up your workspace so you have your bowls ready: one for the egg wash and another for the breadcrumb mixture. Trust me, being organized makes this process way easier!
Coating the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Take your chicken tenders and dip each one into the bowl with the beaten eggs, making sure it’s well-coated. This step is key as it helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere nicely. Once dipped, transfer the tender to the bowl with your breadcrumb and Parmesan mix. Make sure to press down a bit to get that coating on there really well—don’t be shy! Repeat this process until all your chicken tenders are coated. Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space so they can crisp up nicely in the oven.
Baking the Chicken
It’s time to bake! Drizzle a little olive oil over your chicken tenders—this helps them get that beautiful, crispy finish. Pop them in the oven and set a timer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the chicken is cooked through—just cut one in the thickest part to check; there should be no pink! Once they’re out, let them rest for a few minutes before serving, so they stay juicy. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your chicken tenders parmesan come out perfectly every single time! First, always use fresh Parmesan cheese. It’s a total game changer for flavor—trust me, the pre-grated stuff just doesn’t compare! If you can, get a block and grate it yourself for that rich, creamy taste.
Next, don’t skip the olive oil drizzle; it’s essential for achieving that irresistible crispy texture. If you want an extra crunch, consider adding some Panko breadcrumbs to your mixture—so good! Also, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, you can always cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Lastly, remember that letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial. It helps the juices redistribute for that juicy bite. Oops, I almost forgot: serve these bad boys hot out of the oven for the best experience! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful chicken tenders parmesan! Each serving is estimated to contain around 350 calories, which is pretty reasonable for a satisfying main dish. You’ll find about 15 grams of fat, with just 3 grams being saturated fat—so you can enjoy without too much guilt! These tenders pack a punch with 30 grams of protein, making them a great choice for a hearty meal.
As for carbs, you’re looking at approximately 25 grams, along with 2 grams of fiber to help keep things balanced. There’s also 1 gram of sugar and 600 milligrams of sodium, which is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your intake. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use, so always check your labels for the most accurate information. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and rich Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist!
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these chicken tenders are a lighter choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these crunchy bites, making dinner a breeze.
- Versatile: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or sides for a complete meal that can adapt to any occasion!
You’ll find yourself making these chicken tenders parmesan again and again, trust me!
FAQ About Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Got questions about chicken tenders parmesan? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! If you have chicken breasts on hand, just cut them into strips to make your own tenders. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to bake.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven to keep that crispy texture—microwaving can make them soggy.
What are some good dipping sauces?
Oh, I’d recommend marinara sauce for a classic combo! But ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli can take these chicken tenders to the next level. Get creative!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the tenders and coat them earlier in the day. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready to pop in the oven!
Is it possible to freeze the chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, coated tenders! Just lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these delightful chicken tenders parmesan, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal! For a classic pairing, serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy flavor complements the cheesy, crispy tenders perfectly!
If you’re in the mood for something fresh, a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice balance and color to your plate. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also work beautifully, bringing a lovely crunch and nutrition to the table.
And let’s not forget about some garlic bread on the side—because who doesn’t love a little extra carbs? Whatever you choose, these sides will enhance your chicken tenders parmesan experience, making it a meal to remember!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out stuffed baked acorn squash or creamy Italian sausage pasta.
Print
Comforting Chicken Tenders Parmesan for Family Gatherings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy chicken tenders coated in Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken tender in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated tenders on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor.
- Pair with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken tenders parmesan, baked chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken