Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
The Crispy Dinner Everyone Loves
If you’ve ever craved the crunch of fried chicken but wanted something lighter and easier, these Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are your answer. They’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and baked to golden perfection, no deep fryer needed!
Made with simple pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a touch of seasoning, these tenders come together in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for busy nights, kid-friendly dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
If your family loves crispy comfort food, check out Chicken Cutlets Recipe or Air Fryer Carrots Recipe from SoolFood, both are easy, oven-friendly favorites that pair beautifully with these tenders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven-baked, not fried: Crispy texture without the oil or mess.
- Kid-approved: Perfect for picky eaters and easy to reheat.
- Full of flavor: Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs create irresistible crunch.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep or quick lunches.
If you love crispy recipes, try Healthy Air Fryer Recipes next, full of crunchy, light dishes your family will devour!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- Cooking spray
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch, marinara, or honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip and coat: Dip chicken tenders in beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Place coated tenders on the lined tray. Drizzle lightly with melted butter or spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of veggies or fries.
Lina’s Kitchen Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each tender space to crisp up evenly.
- Add a twist: Mix in a little Italian seasoning or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.
These Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Every bite is golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned, the kind of meal that disappears fast and makes everyone ask for seconds.
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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Golden, Crunchy & Family-Approved
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Golden, oven-baked chicken tenders coated in crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place on baking sheet and drizzle with butter or spray with oil.
5. Bake 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use panko for extra crunch.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
Reheat leftovers in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American