If you’re a fan of crunchy, golden chicken with bold flavor and a high protein punch, Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. These tenders are exactly what busy weeknights crave: juicy strips of chicken, gloriously crusted in cheesy, herby breadcrumbs and ready in only 30 minutes. Whether you serve them for family dinners or casual get-togethers, everyone will be fighting over the last piece—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

35g Protein Per Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders is in their brilliant simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that addictive crunch, delicious flavor, and inviting coloring, so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Tenders: Choose tenderloins or slice chicken breasts for moist, bite-sized strips that cook quickly.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, nutty flavor and crisps up perfectly for that signature crunch.
Breadcrumbs: Go for regular or panko for the crispiest, golden crust imaginable.
Garlic Powder: Adds a deep savory note that pairs perfectly with the cheese and chicken.
Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the coating.
Salt: Elevates all the other flavors—don’t skimp here!
Black Pepper: Lends just enough heat to enhance the taste without overpowering it.
Egg: Helps the Parmesan and breadcrumbs stick seamlessly to the tenders.
Olive Oil: A drizzle ensures your tenders bake up golden instead of pale, giving them that irresistible fried look and taste.

How to Make Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature guarantees that your Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders will be perfectly golden and cooked through in no time. If you like ultra-crispy edges, position your oven rack a little higher than the center.

Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the dry mixture is evenly speckled with all those lovely seasonings. This blend is where all the magic happens—each bite of chicken gets infused with zesty, cheesy flavor.

Step 3: Beat the Egg

In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg until it’s nicely combined. This simple step makes all the difference—it’s your secret weapon for getting that flavorful coating to cling in every nook and cranny of the chicken tenders!

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Set up a little assembly line for efficiency: dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so you don’t lose any of that tasty crust. Trust me, this is where the “crispy” reputation is earned!

Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for effortless cleanup. Place each coated tender on the sheet, making sure there’s a bit of space between them for even crisping. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenders—this step guarantees they bake up with a tempting golden color and an extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through if you crave all-over crispiness. When your Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and an internal temp reads 165°F/74°C), they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A simple but eye-catching garnish goes a long way! Try sprinkling a little extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds color, freshness, and an enticing aroma that makes these tenders impossible to resist.

Side Dishes

Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders shine with almost any side. Classic french fries or sweet potato wedges are always crowd-pleasers. For something lighter, a zippy green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness. And don’t forget dips—ranch, honey mustard, or marinara all play beautifully with these flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the tenders onto a salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Turn them into a hearty sandwich by tucking them into a crusty roll with lettuce and tomato. Or serve bite-size pieces on skewers at your next gathering—Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to disappear fast in any format!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making next-day lunches or snacks just as delicious as dinner.

Freezing

These tenders freeze like a dream! Lay cooled Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a single layer on a sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.

Reheating

To revive that irresistible crunch, reheat your tenders in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for even crispier results. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the crust less crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Simply slice chicken breasts into evenly sized strips. This swap works perfectly for Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders and still delivers super moist and flavorful results.

Which breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?

Panko breadcrumbs produce a lighter, extra-crispy texture, while regular breadcrumbs offer a more classic crunch. Both are fantastic, so use what you love or have on hand.

What dips pair well with these chicken tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, and marinara are all fantastic with Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders. For a little kick, try mixing sriracha into mayonnaise for a spicy dip.

How do I make these tenders gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Everything else in the recipe stays just as tasty!

Can I air fry these tenders instead of baking them?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The Parmesan crust gets wonderfully golden and crispy in the air fryer, making for an easy hands-off option.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re searching for a protein-packed dinner or a shareable party snack, Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders bring excitement and crunch to any table. Take my advice: make a double batch—these tenders vanish in a heartbeat. Trust me, you’re going to love every crispy, cheesy bite!

35g Protein Per Serving! Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe