Ovenbaked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy Oven baked chicken tenders An Easy Parmesan Dream

By SandraJuly 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Say Goodbye to Soggy Chicken!

Fancy some Oven baked chicken tenders that aren't a soggy disappointment? Honestly, who doesn’t love a good chicken tender? But let’s face it: too often they’re bland, greasy, and generally not worth the calories.

These, however, are crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe perfection. They’re cheesy, crunchy, and baked to golden perfection.

What Makes These Homemade Chicken Tenders Amazing?

These Oven baked chicken tenders are a real crowd pleaser. They have Italian roots, inspired by Parmesan crusted chicken. This easy chicken tender recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

It's super simple and serves about 4 people.

Benefit From Baking, Not Frying

These are far healthier than their deep fried counterparts! They’re also perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. What makes these healthy chicken tenders recipe special is that they're proper tasty, without all the guilt.

Plus, the crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe coating adds a flavour bomb. These babies are the answer to quick chicken dinner recipes .

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Ingredients at a Glance

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. You’ll need chicken tenders (or breast cut into strips), flour, eggs, milk, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (optional), salt, pepper, and cooking spray.

Proper simple, innit? Now you are ready to create an Oven fried chicken like experience in your own oven. We will need some Chicken tenders dipping sauce .

Let´s get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need to make these incredibly yummy oven baked chicken tenders . Honestly, it's a pretty straightforward list, and you probably have most of it already.

This easy chicken tender recipe is all about simple ingredients done right.

Main Players: Chicken and Cheese!

You'll need 1 ½ lbs (680g) of chicken tenders. If you can't find tenders, chicken breasts cut into strips works perfectly!
1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour.
2 large eggs and 2 tbsp (30ml) of milk. This makes a nice egg wash.
1 ½ cups (120g) of panko breadcrumbs. Panko is key for that crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe texture!
And the star: 1 cup (100g) of grated Parmesan cheese. Really, get the good stuff! Not the powdery stuff, you know?

When buying Parmesan, look for a block that feels firm and smells nutty. Freshly grated is always best. It melts better, and the flavor is just miles ahead.

Seasoning is Key

We are gonna need some seasoning to create this homemade chicken tenders recipe, so pay attention to the followings:

1 tsp of garlic powder. Because everything is better with garlic.
1 tsp of dried Italian seasoning. Or a mix of your favorite herbs.
½ tsp of smoked paprika. Optional, but it adds so much depth.
Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy!

For a little extra something, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives the oven fried chicken a tiny kick.

You can even add some chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. Just play around to find what you like, innit?

The Tool Kit

Three shallow bowls or plates. For your breading station.
A baking sheet.
Parchment paper is totally optional, but it makes cleanup a breeze.
And a meat thermometer. Makes sure those tenders reach 165° F ( 74° C) .

Honestly, you can get away with using just a fork and your hands for the breading. But bowls just make it a bit tidier, you know? Plus, the meat thermometer is great for any quick chicken dinner recipes .

Now, go on and get your healthy chicken tenders recipe on!

Conquer Cravings with Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Alright, folks! Let's talk Oven Baked Chicken Tenders . Forget those greasy, dodgy takeaway versions. This is proper comfort food, but, like, healthier.

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Easy Chicken Tender Recipe ? I know I do.

Prep Like a Pro for Epic Tenders

Time to get your mise en place on. That's fancy talk for having everything ready. Get your chicken, flour, eggs, and cheesy breadcrumb mix sorted.

This is key to stress free Quick Chicken Dinner Recipes . Tip: Whisk your eggs with a splash of milk for extra fluffiness.

And hey, wash your hands before you start, yeah?

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders : step-by-step

Preheat the oven to 425° F ( 220° C). Line a baking sheet.
Set up your breading stations: flour, eggs, then Parmesan panko mixture.
Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, then cheesy breadcrumbs. Make sure they're properly coated.
Place tenders on the baking sheet, not too close together. Spray with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
Bake for 18– 20 minutes , flipping halfway. Look for that golden brown Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe goodness.

Top Secret Pro Tips for Baked Chicken Tenders

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet! It's the biggest mistake. Space 'em out for maximum crispiness. Real Parmesan is a must.

Get a block and grate it yourself. The pre-grated stuff is rubbish. I'm telling ya. Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should hit 165° F ( 74° C) internally.

No one wants dry chicken. For Homemade Chicken Tenders , pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness before cutting into strips ensures consistent baking.

Craving a bit of heat with this Healthy Chicken Tenders Recipe ? Add a pinch of cayenne to the panko.

Don't forget the dip! A good Chicken Tenders Dipping Sauce is essential. I'm a ranch gal myself, but honey mustard is a close second.

Enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Chicken tenders!

**Recipe Notes for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Ever!**

Right, so you're about to make some cracking Oven baked chicken tenders . Ace! Here are a few notes, bits of my own experience, and ideas to help you on your way to achieving chicken tender perfection.

I promise, they're easier than putting up IKEA furniture.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Chicken Tenders

Plating these Oven baked chicken tenders is a doddle. You can just bung them on a plate with some ketchup, or you could get fancy.

Presentation Ideas: Try arranging them artfully on a platter with a few different chicken tenders dipping sauce options. Think zig-zags, towers...you know, like they do on MasterChef.
Complementary Sides: Chips are the obvious choice. But coleslaw? Corn on the cob? Even a proper salad! And for drinks, try a crisp lager or some old-fashioned lemonade.

Storage Tips for Leftover Baked Chicken Tenders

Honestly, if you have leftovers of these crispy parmesan chicken tenders recipe , you're doing better than me. But if you do...

Refrigeration: Pop them in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days .
Freezing: Not really recommended, as they can go a bit soggy. But if you must, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Reheating: The oven is best . Pop them back in at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. A microwave will make them sad.

Variations on This Easy Chicken Tender Recipe

Fancy a bit of a twist? There are loads of ways to make these Oven baked chicken tenders your own!

Dietary Adaptations: For a healthier version, use wholemeal flour and bake on a wire rack. For gluten-free, try almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Seasonal Swaps: In summer, try adding some lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a zing. In winter, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warming touch.

Nutrition Basics for these Healthy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Okay, so these aren't exactly health food, but they're way healthier than the takeaway version. You know?

Simplified Info: Each serving has around 450 calories, 45g protein, 20g fat, and 25g carbs. Remember, though, that these are just estimates.
Key Benefits: Chicken is a great source of protein, important for building and repairing muscles. And Parmesan? Well, it's cheesy goodness!

So there you have it everything you need to make the most amazing Oven baked chicken tenders . These parmesan crusted chicken are a great quick chicken dinner recipe or a homemade chicken tenders crowd pleaser.

Honestly, you've got this! Now go on, get baking! You'll be amazed at what you can make with this easy chicken tender recipe practically oven fried chicken , right? And don't forget to experiment with different chicken tenders dipping sauce recipes.

You are sure to have the best healthy chicken tenders recipe out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for these Oven baked chicken tenders?

While panko breadcrumbs are the key to that extra crispy texture, you can definitely use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch. Just be aware that the chicken tenders might not be quite as crunchy. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan before using them to add some extra crunch.

How do I keep my Oven baked chicken tenders from drying out?

Nobody wants dry chicken! The key is to not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, spraying the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray before baking helps them stay moist.

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Crikey, the options are endless! Ranch dressing is a classic, but honey mustard is always a winner. BBQ sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or even a simple marinara sauce are all fantastic choices. Get creative and try a spicy mayo or a homemade aioli for something a bit different, experiment a little!

Can I make these Oven baked chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can prep them ahead of time, but for the best results, bake them fresh. You can bread the chicken tenders and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to eat, simply pop them in the oven.

However, if you are short on time, you can bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Are Oven baked chicken tenders a healthy option?

Baking instead of frying definitely makes these a healthier option than traditional fried chicken tenders. To further reduce the fat content, you can use skinless chicken tenders and skip the oil spray (though that crispiness will be slightly compromised).

Remember that serving size matters, and consider pairing them with a healthy side dish like a salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Check the nutritional information provided in the recipe for a better understanding of calories, protein, and fat content per serving.