chicken tenderloin parmesan recipe

chicken tenderloin parmesan recipe

The Best chicken tenderloin parmesan recipe

I’ve always been a fan of classic Italian-American dishes, and chicken parmesan is one of my all-time favorites. There’s something about the combination of crispy breading, melted mozzarella cheese, and juicy chicken that just can’t be beat. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Growing up, I remember my nonna used to make the most incredible chicken parmesan for our family gatherings. She’d dredge the chicken in breadcrumbs, fry it to a golden brown, and then top it with a layer of creamy mozzarella cheese. It was always a treat to look forward to.

As I got older, I began experimenting with different variations of the recipe, but the core idea remains the same: crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a generous helping of melted cheese. When it comes to cooking technique, one of the key elements of this dish is achieving the perfect breading. You want it to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – not too thick or too thin.

To achieve this, I like to use a mixture of all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A light dusting with these ingredients helps create that ideal texture. This recipe has become a staple in our household over the years.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we get to dip the breaded chicken in beaten eggs and then coat it in breadcrumbs before frying it up. It’s amazing how quickly they learn to appreciate the simple joys of cooking from scratch.

Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan

Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan

4.6 from 689 votes

Crispy chicken tenderloins are coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, baked until golden, then topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. This lighter version of chicken Parmesan is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping and Serving

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
3In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4Place beaten eggs in a second bowl.
5In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
6Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.
7Dredge each tenderloin first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8Arrange the coated tenderloins in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
9Bake for 12 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 8 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each tenderloin and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
11Return to the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
13Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Three shallow bowls
Wire rack (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, place the coated tenderloins on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan Works

This classic recipe never fails to please my family and friends alike – whether we’re having it as an everyday meal or serving it at special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to store leftovers for later use – simply let them cool completely before refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to three days or freezing them for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan

Q: What type of chicken tenderloins should I use?

You can use either boneless or bone-in tenderloins for this recipe – both will yield delicious results! If you prefer boneless tenderloins, be sure to pound them thin so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I substitute mozzarella cheese with another type?

While mozzarella is traditional for parmesan-style dishes like this one, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer – just keep in mind that some may melt better than others.

Q: How do I prevent my breading from getting soggy?

Avoid overcrowding your skillet or baking sheet by cooking smaller batches at a time; also ensure your breading mixture isn’t too wet – excess moisture will lead to soggy crumbs.

Q: What’s an alternative option if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Slice your cooked parmesan chicken into strips before refrigerating it overnight; simply reheat when ready.

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