Crispy baked Parmesan chicken has been my go-to for a healthier weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I used to think that achieving that perfect crunch meant deep-frying, but this recipe completely changed my mind. Imagine tender chicken tenders coated in a golden-brown, savory Parmesan and panko crust, baked to perfection right in your oven. The aroma alone is incredible, promising a satisfying meal without the heavy oil. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic baked chicken parmesan without frying, offering all the flavor and none of the fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with this simple and delicious dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike!

• Incredibly Crispy Texture: The combination of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs creates a wonderfully crunchy coating that rivals fried versions.
• Healthier Alternative: This is a fantastic healthy chicken parmesan baked option, significantly cutting down on fat and calories compared to traditional frying.
• Super Easy to Make: You’ll find this is an easy baked parmesan chicken recipe that practically makes itself. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
• Juicy and Tender Inside: Despite the crispy exterior, the chicken stays wonderfully moist and tender thanks to the buttermilk marinade.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as tenders, slice it for salads, or pair it with your favorite pasta or veggie sides.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The savory Parmesan and herb notes are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
• Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under an hour.

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious Parmesan crusted chicken breast baked to perfection:

• 1 lb chicken tenders – the perfect size for dipping and baking
• 1 cup buttermilk – this is my secret for super juicy chicken!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our crispy coating
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs – for that classic savory flavor
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the star of the show for that irresistible cheesy crust
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a wonderful aromatic depth
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic beautifully
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a hint of smoky warmth and color
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – for a touch of gentle spice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – if you like a little heat!
• Cooking spray or olive oil – for achieving that golden, crispy finish

How to Make Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This important first step ensures your chicken bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
2. Step 2: Place your chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours in the fridge. This makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.
3. Step 3: In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk it all together well.
4. Step 4: In a second shallow bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens for that delicious, savory crust.
5. Step 5: Take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Now, it’s time to coat them!
6. Step 6: Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk to get it nice and wet, and finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. You want a thick, even coating for that perfect oven baked chicken parmesan crispy texture.
7. Step 7: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching each other; give them some space so they can get gloriously crispy all around.
8. Step 8: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil. This little trick helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch.

9. Bake for 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time to ensure they get crispy on both sides. This is a key part of how to make crispy baked chicken parmesan that everyone will rave about.
10. Step 10: For an extra-crispy finish, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them during this step, as they can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in seconds!
11. Step 11: Once they’re out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is wonderfully moist.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Parmesan Chicken

Achieving that perfect, craveable crunch and juicy interior is easier than you think with these simple tricks. These tips will elevate your game and guarantee a fantastic result every time.

• Use Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness – they’re lighter and create a better crunch than regular breadcrumbs.
• Don’t skip the buttermilk soak! It tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere beautifully.
• Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. This ensures a thick, even coating that won’t fall off during baking.
• Bake on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, crisping up the bottom of the chicken too.

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken?

The key to getting that wonderfully juicy baked parmesan chicken is a combination of the buttermilk marinade and not overcooking. Pressing the coating firmly also ensures it stays on and gets super crispy!

Can I make Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the coating stage and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, for a few hours. This makes it a truly quick baked chicken parmesan option for busy evenings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken?

A common pitfall is soggy chicken. To prevent this, don’t overcrowd the pan and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Also, make sure the chicken is completely dry after the buttermilk soak before dredging in the flour, which helps prevent sogginess and ensures the coating sticks well.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right sides. For a classic crispy baked chicken Italian style experience, serve these tenders alongside a fresh Caprese salad or some creamy garlic mashed potatoes. They also make a wonderful addition to a vibrant green salad, adding a delightful crunch and protein boost. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving them with a side of marinara sauce and your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne. The crispy coating holds up beautifully, making it perfect for any meal.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious baked chicken parmesan. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for something like low carb baked parmesan chicken, offering great flavor with reasonable macros.

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Properly storing and reheating your crispy baked chicken parmesan ensures you can enjoy it later with minimal loss of that wonderful crunch. Once the chicken has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces or the whole batch in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This makes it a great option for future meals!

When you’re ready to reheat, the goal is to bring back that crispiness. For the best results, I recommend using your oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. If using an air fryer, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, checking frequently. Microwaving is an option, but it will likely result in softer chicken, so it’s best reserved for when you’re in a real pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

What is baked Parmesan chicken?

Baked Parmesan chicken is a dish where chicken pieces, typically breasts or tenders, are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. It’s a popular alternative to fried chicken, offering a similar crunch with less oil.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can definitely use chicken breasts. Just cut them into 1-inch thick cutlets or tenders before marinating and coating. The baking time might need a slight adjustment – check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

How do I get the coating to stick better for a simple baked Parmesan chicken?

The key to a well-adhering coating is a good dredging process. After coating in flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk to ensure it’s wet, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. This double-dip method helps everything stick like glue!

Why is my baked chicken parmesan not crispy enough?

There are a few reasons this might happen. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and that you’re not overcrowding the baking sheet, as this prevents air circulation. Using Panko breadcrumbs also helps significantly, and a light spray of oil before baking gives it that extra edge for crispiness.

Variations of Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment! There are so many delicious ways to customize this dish to your taste.

• Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe: Amp up the garlic flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour mixture, or even mincing 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and mixing them into the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating.
• Parmesan Herb Baked Chicken: Add your favorite dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic Italian twist. A tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley stirred in after baking is also fantastic.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to both the flour and breadcrumb mixtures.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of the Italian-style breadcrumbs.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders, a healthier alternative to fried chicken. They are coated in a crunchy parmesan and panko mixture and baked until golden brown and juicy. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a shallow bowl.
3. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it.
5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
6. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, then dip back into buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press to adhere.
7. Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
10. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
11. Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is fully submerged in buttermilk for best results.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken for a coating that sticks.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Broiling adds extra crispiness but requires close supervision.
• Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 tenders)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg