Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders. I remember the first time I made them for my family; the excitement in their eyes as they anticipated crispy, cheesy goodness was unforgettable. It was a busy weeknight, and after a long day, I wanted something quick yet satisfying. These tenders were just the solution. With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, they transformed from raw chicken to golden perfection, filling my home with irresistible aromas. Every bite was a crunchy delight, making it clear that Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders would become a staple in our household. They’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying straight from the pan, and trust me, you won’t want to miss out!

Ingredients Required for Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

When it comes to creating Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders, the quality of your ingredients matters. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the crispy panko breadcrumbs that provide the crunch to the rich Parmesan cheese that adds depth, these ingredients come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 heaping cup broccoli (1 head)
• 1 cup red potato (1 to 2 potatoes)
• 1 heaping cup bell peppers (1 pepper or 6 minis)
• 8 ounces green beans
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Recipe Steps for Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Making Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders is a delightful experience that you’ll want to share with everyone. Let’s break down each step to ensure you get the best results. Follow these instructions closely to achieve perfectly cooked, deliciously crispy tenders.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a crispy exterior. Gather your ingredients and equipment, including a large sheet pan and an oven-safe wire cooling rack if you have one. This will help the tenders crisp up beautifully.
2. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings: oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix for later. This blend is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure it’s well combined.
3. Prepare your vegetables: chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, cut the red potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, and slice the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Don’t forget to trim the green beans and mince the garlic. This colorful array will roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
4. On your prepared sheet pan, toss all the cut veggies with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the reserved seasoning mix. Spread them out evenly, making sure there’s no overlap. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which we want to avoid!
5. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 5 minutes, then remove them briefly to prepare for the chicken. This initial roast helps kickstart the cooking process.
6. While the veggies are roasting, pat the chicken tenders dry using a paper towel. This helps the breading stick better and results in a crispier coating. Trim any excess fat and remove tendons. This is a simple hack that makes a big difference in texture.
7. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining spices, mayo, flour, egg, and Dijon mustard to create a batter.
8. Take each tender, coat it in the batter, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs makes this process easier and keeps things neat!
9. Generously spray your wire cooling rack with cooking spray and place the coated chicken tenders on top. Press any leftover breadcrumb mixture onto the tenders for extra crunch, and give the tenders a light spray with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown finish.
10. Move the veggies to one half of the sheet pan or to the edges to make room for the cooling rack. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken and helps everything cook evenly.
11. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. After that time, flip the tenders, spray the exposed side with cooking spray, and bake them for another 8 to 10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The veggies should be nice and crisp at this point.
12. Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and add the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese to the veggies. Toss them with the cheese and any breadcrumbs that may have fallen from the chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
13. Enjoy your Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders alongside your roasted veggies, and don’t forget to serve with your favorite dipping sauces for that added touch. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!

Helpful Hints

To make the most of your cooking experience, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind while preparing Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven to maintain the crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded tenders. Just flash freeze them first, then store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Pairing: These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries. Consider serving with a light salad for a complete meal.
• Seasonal variations: Feel free to change up the seasoning based on the season or your taste preferences. Try adding Italian herbs or a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat.
• Make it a meal: Turn these into a full meal by serving them over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.

Best Served With

When it comes to enjoying Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders, the sky’s the limit for how you can serve them. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Fresh Salad: Pair them with a crisp salad topped with your favorite dressing—this adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy tenders.
• Fries: Serve with a side of golden fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combination that’s sure to please everyone.
• Veggies: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, complement the flavors beautifully and add a healthy touch.
• Dip Options: Provide a variety of dips such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for guests to explore different flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These tenders are ideal for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week for easy lunches or dinners.
• Game Day Snack: They’re also perfect for game day! Set up a platter with sauces and let everyone enjoy their own crispy tenders.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders lies in their delightful crunch and cheesy goodness, making them a beloved choice for families. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. I encourage you to try making them tonight; you’ll find they quickly become a favorite!

Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Crispy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a delightful meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 heaping cup broccoli 1 head
• 1 cup red potato 1 to 2 potatoes
• 1 heaping cup bell peppers 1 pepper or 6 minis
• 8 ounces green beans
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 Cooking spray
• 1 Dipping sauces optional

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15" x 21")
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a crispy exterior. Gather your ingredients and equipment, including a large sheet pan and an oven-safe wire cooling rack if you have one. This will help the tenders crisp up beautifully.
2. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings: oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix for later. This blend is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure it’s well combined.
3. Prepare your vegetables: chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, cut the red potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, and slice the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Don’t forget to trim the green beans and mince the garlic. This colorful array will roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
4. On your prepared sheet pan, toss all the cut veggies with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the reserved seasoning mix. Spread them out evenly, making sure there’s no overlap. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which we want to avoid!
5. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 5 minutes, then remove them briefly to prepare for the chicken. This initial roast helps kickstart the cooking process.
6. While the veggies are roasting, pat the chicken tenders dry using a paper towel. This helps the breading stick better and results in a crispier coating. Trim any excess fat and remove tendons. This is a simple hack that makes a big difference in texture.
7. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining spices, mayo, flour, egg, and Dijon mustard to create a batter.
8. Take each tender, coat it in the batter, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs makes this process easier and keeps things neat!
9. Generously spray your wire cooling rack with cooking spray and place the coated chicken tenders on top. Press any leftover breadcrumb mixture onto the tenders for extra crunch, and give the tenders a light spray with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown finish.
10. Move the veggies to one half of the sheet pan or to the edges to make room for the cooling rack. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken and helps everything cook evenly.
11. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. After that time, flip the tenders, spray the exposed side with cooking spray, and bake them for another 8 to 10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The veggies should be nice and crisp at this point.
12. Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and add the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese to the veggies. Toss them with the cheese and any breadcrumbs that may have fallen from the chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
13. Enjoy your Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders alongside your roasted veggies, and don’t forget to serve with your favorite dipping sauces for that added touch. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven to maintain the crispiness.
• Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked, breaded tenders. Just flash freeze them first, then store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Tip 3: These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries. Consider serving with a light salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to change up the seasoning based on the season or your taste preferences. Try adding Italian herbs or a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat.
• Tip 5: Turn these into a full meal by serving them over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!