chicken tenders parmesan recipe

The Best chicken tenders parmesan recipe

I’ve been making Chicken Tenders Parmesan for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. This classic Italian-American dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the breaded chicken tenders are a perfect match for the rich and tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.

My kids love helping me prepare this meal, from breading the chicken to sprinkling the cheese on top. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about the importance of using fresh ingredients and following a recipe. I’ve experimented with various variations of this recipe over the years, but the original is still my favorite.

The key to making this dish truly special is in the breading process – you want to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with breadcrumbs so that it cooks up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I like to use Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe because they add a nice crunch without overpowering the other flavors. One of my favorite things about Chicken Tenders Parmesan is that it’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a buffet or potluck.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients like cooked pasta or vegetables. I’ve made this dish for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions like holiday parties and birthday celebrations. My family loves it when I serve Chicken Tenders Parmesan with a side salad or roasted vegetables – it adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the plate.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that this dish is just as good (if not better) when made ahead of time and reheated later in the day. It’s perfect for busy families who need a meal that can be prepared in advance and then reheated when needed.

Chicken Tenders Parmesan

4.8 from 1441 votes

Crispy chicken tenders coated with a golden breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese crust, baked to perfection and topped with a rich marinara sauce. Served with a side of pasta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano

For the Sauce

1 cup marinara sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 450°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
4In another dish, beat the eggs.
5In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
6Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7Dip in the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
8Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
9Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
10Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
11Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy.
12Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
13While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce.
14In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
15Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
16Add marinara sauce, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
17Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
18Once the chicken tenders are done, remove from the oven.
19Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken tenders.
20Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
21Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use gluten free flour for a gluten-free option. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra kick of heat.

This Chicken Tenders Parmesan recipe has become a staple in our household – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and bake until crispy again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tenders Parmesan

Q: What type of breadcrumbs should I use for this recipe?

In general, you can use any type of breadcrumb you like – Panko breadcrumbs are my personal favorite because they add a nice crunch without overpowering the other flavors.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs or using gluten-free flour to coat the chicken.

Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?

Make sure to pat dry the chicken tenders before breading them – excess moisture can prevent the breading from adhering properly.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

No, it’s best to shred your own mozzarella cheese for this recipe – pre-shredded cheese can be too processed and may not melt as well as fresh shredded cheese.

Q: Can I bake this dish instead of deep-frying?

No, deep-frying is essential for getting that crispy exterior on the chicken tenders.

Similar Posts