These Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a great meal for both kids and adults alike. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders are sure to be a hit.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or grated parmesan cheese on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs can usually be found in the baking aisle, while grated parmesan cheese is often located in the dairy or deli section.
Ingredients For Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders: Tender pieces of chicken that are perfect for breading and baking.
Breadcrumbs: These provide a crispy coating for the chicken tenders.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading mixture.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a hint of garlic.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken tenders.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an extra crispy texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko's larger flakes create a crunchier coating, enhancing the overall texture of the chicken tenders. Additionally, to ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken tenders are of uniform thickness. If needed, pound them lightly with a meat mallet.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey breast strips: Turkey breast strips have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for chicken tenders.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free option if needed.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, offering a different but equally delicious texture.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to parmesan.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic offers a more intense and fresh garlic flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a different but complementary flavor profile if garlic is not available.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor while still providing the color and mild heat of regular paprika.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit more heat and complexity to the dish, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, making it a good alternative.
beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.
beaten eggs - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can also help the breadcrumbs stick and adds moisture and tang to the chicken.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely after baking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- For refrigeration:
- Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes if frozen.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy. This method is quick and keeps the chicken nice and crunchy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and the coating is crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor from the olive oil.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the others.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden and cooked through.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.
Baking sheet: Used to place the coated chicken tenders on for baking.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Tongs: Used to dip the chicken tenders in the beaten eggs and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices the night before to save time.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Double the batch: Make extra chicken tenders and freeze them for a quick meal later.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start prepping to ensure it's ready when you are.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the process.
Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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