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- Chicken Tenders - Grated Parmesan Cheese - Breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - Eggs - Garlic Powder - Onion Powder - Paprika - Salt and Pepper - Olive Oil - Fresh Parsley for Garnish In this recipe, you will need fresh chicken tenders. They provide a tender and juicy bite. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs. They give you a light and crispy texture. You will also need eggs to help the coating stick. For seasonings, garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder gives a sweet flavor. Paprika adds a touch of warmth and color. Don’t forget salt and pepper to boost all the flavors. A drizzle of olive oil helps to brown the chicken. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a great garnish. Use these ingredients to create your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders. You can find the full recipe and instructions to make this dish pop with flavor. - Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key for crispiness. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the chicken tenders from sticking. - Mix Parmesan Coating Ingredients In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mix gives the tenders a rich, cheesy flavor. - Egg Mixture Preparation In another bowl, crack the two large eggs. Beat them until they are frothy. This egg mixture helps the coating stick to the chicken. - Coating Process Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated, then gently shake off the excess egg. Next, place the tender into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all tenders. Drizzle olive oil over them to help achieve that golden crust. - Baking Time and Doneness Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They are done when the coating is crispy and golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through. - Final Presentation Tips Once cooked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the tenders on a platter with lemon wedges and a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan crusted chicken tenders! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. To get that amazing crunch, I suggest using panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and create a crispier coating. You can also mix in crushed cornflakes for extra texture. If you want a twist, try adding some crushed nuts to the mix. Almonds or walnuts can bring a lovely flavor. Olive oil is key for that golden crust. It helps the coating brown and stay crispy. Drizzle a bit on the chicken tenders before baking. You can also spray them lightly with cooking oil. This trick gives you an even better crunch without too much fat. If you have dietary needs, you can swap ingredients easily. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option. You can also replace chicken with turkey tenders. For a vegetarian version, try using thick slices of eggplant or zucchini. You can add flavors to your chicken tenders too. Mix in Italian herbs like oregano or basil. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can even toss in some lemon zest for a fresh taste. These changes keep the dish exciting and fun! {{image_2}} Air Fryer Version You can make these chicken tenders in an air fryer. This method cuts down on oil while still giving you that crispy delight. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that they are golden and cooked through. Grilling Option Grilling adds a smoky flavor to your chicken tenders. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure to check for doneness, as grilling can cook them faster. Adding Herbs and Spices You can boost the flavor by adding herbs and spices. Try mixing in dried oregano, thyme, or basil with the Parmesan coating. Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill can also bring a bright touch. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Cheesy Variations For a cheesier version, mix different cheeses into the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding shredded mozzarella or a hint of cheddar. This adds extra flavor and creaminess. You can even sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish. Explore these variations to make your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders unique. For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, you might have some left. To keep them fresh, refrigerate them. Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for about three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your tenders soggy. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option. First, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. These tenders can stay frozen for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the crispiness, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crunch. If you use an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Both methods ensure your tenders taste as good as when they were first made. Avoid using the microwave. It can make them soft and chewy, which we want to avoid. You can serve Parmesan crusted chicken tenders with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - French fries: Crispy and golden, they pair well with chicken. - Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy side adds a nice contrast. - Steamed broccoli: This adds color and health to your meal. - Caesar salad: The creamy dressing complements the chicken's flavor. - Garlic bread: A warm, buttery loaf is always a hit. Yes, you can make Parmesan crusted chicken tenders gluten-free. Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. Look for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check the Parmesan cheese for gluten-free labeling. This way, you can enjoy delicious tenders without the gluten. To know if chicken tenders are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part. If the temperature is right, the chicken is safe to eat. Another sign is the color; it should be white, not pink. Always ensure your chicken is cooked properly for safety. You now have all the tools to make Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, seasoning tips, and step-by-step baking instructions. You can adapt the recipe to fit your needs, whether you choose to air fry or grill. Plus, you learned how to store leftovers and reheat them perfectly. This dish is sure to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking methods. Happy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with these delightful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders! With a crispy, cheesy coating and juicy tender chicken, this easy recipe is sure to please the whole family. Follow simple steps to create a crunchy, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce. Don’t miss out on impressing your loved ones—click through to explore the full recipe and make dinner a hit tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.

      In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.

        Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off excess egg.

          Then, coat the chicken tender in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the mixture to the chicken. Place the coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet.

            Repeat the process for all chicken tenders. Drizzle the olive oil over the coated tenders to help them crisp up in the oven.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crunchy.

                Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with lemon wedges and a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!