This crispy, flavorful Easy Chicken Tenders Recipe makes a quick, family-friendly meal in about 30 minutes. Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these parmesan-crusted chicken tenders are a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
If you need a gluten-free version, consider an alternative recipe for healthy baked chicken tenders.
We love quick chicken dinners, and this recipe is perfect when you want something on the table fast. These Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders are baked, making them a lighter option for a busy weeknight, and they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Everyone in the family will gobble them up! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, ranch, or honey mustard are all great choices.
This is an easy, reliable recipe you can turn to again and again.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tenders
- PREP – Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a large wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
- MAKE – Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of finely shredded Parmesan and coarse breadcrumbs in the third. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken tenders with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Coat each tender first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in the beaten egg and finally roll in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared rack and spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
- BAKE – Bake for 10 minutes, then turn each tender over and spray again. Continue baking until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes more. Serve hot with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Method
To cook these tenders in an air fryer, follow the coating steps above, then:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray both sides generously with oil.
- Cook in batches for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden and crispy.
Dipping Ideas
Chicken tenders are even better with dips. Try one of these:
- Marinara
- Ranch
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey Mustard
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and a nuttier flavor, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
- Pair these Parmesan-crusted tenders with sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, or roasted sweet potato wedges for a balanced meal.
- Always cook poultry to a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd—next time you might find yourself making a larger batch because they disappear fast!
PRO TIP: For a healthier option use whole wheat breadcrumbs. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs are a fine substitute.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. The tenders will lose some crispness but will still taste great when reheated.
Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through, or re-crisp them in a preheated oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Ingredients
- Canola or olive oil cooking spray
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup coarse dry breadcrumbs (preferably whole-wheat)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for serving
Equipment
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Three shallow dishes for coating
- Medium mixing bowl
- Air fryer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and combine Parmesan and breadcrumbs in a third dish. In a medium bowl, toss chicken tenders with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Coat each tender in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on the prepared rack and spray the tops generously.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, spray again, and bake about 10 minutes more until crisp and cooked through. Serve with warmed marinara or your favorite dip.
Notes
To store, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2–3 days. The tenders won’t stay as crisp but will still be delicious when reheated. Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
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