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