Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders: Crispy & Juicy Every Time!

July 9, 2025Maria

Introduction To Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Craving that irresistible crunch with tender, juicy chicken inside? Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are here to steal the spotlight. These golden-brown beauties are coated in a flavorful blend of parmesan cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and savory spices, then baked or fried until perfectly crisp. With every bite, you get a burst of cheesy, herby flavor followed by moist and succulent chicken—no bland, dry tenders here!

Perfect for family dinners, party platters, game day snacks, or lunchbox favorites, these chicken tenders are a guaranteed win. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and way better than anything frozen. Serve them with your favorite dips, pair with a fresh salad or fries, or tuck them into wraps and sandwiches. One batch and you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are beloved for all the right reasons:

Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: The ultimate texture combo.
Cheesy Flavor Boost: Parmesan adds a savory punch you don’t get from regular breadcrumbs.
Kid & Adult Approved: Pleases picky eaters and foodies alike.
Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile: Serve as a main, appetizer, or snack with any number of sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Crispy Coating That Sticks – No soggy breading here!
✅ No Deep Frying Required – Can be baked or air fried with less oil.
✅ Flavor-Packed – Seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan = next-level taste.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for later.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stays crispy and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

🍗 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
🧂 1 tsp salt
🌶️ ½ tsp black pepper
🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
🧅 ½ tsp onion powder
🌿 ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley
🥚 2 large eggs
🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍞 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
🌾 ½ cup all-purpose flour
🛢️ Olive oil spray or 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for baking or pan frying)

Optional for serving:

🍋 Lemon wedges
🧄 Garlic aioli, ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for dipping
🌿 Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Prep Your Station 🍽️

Set up three shallow bowls:

Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
Bowl 3: Combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken 🍗

Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour (shake off excess), then dip into the egg, and finally press into the parmesan-breadcrumb mix, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Bake or Fry Until Golden 🔥

To Bake:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (for maximum crispiness). Arrange tenders in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
To Air Fry:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place tenders in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
To Pan Fry:
Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish 🌿

Remove and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.

Variation:

Spicy Parmesan Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the flour mix.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or asiago instead of Parmesan.
Buttermilk Brine: Soak chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes beforehand for extra tenderness.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the breadcrumb mix for a tropical flavor.

COOKING Note:

🧀 Use finely grated Parmesan—not shredded—for the best coating texture.
🌾 Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch; regular breadcrumbs result in a finer coating.
🛢️ Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking tray—it prevents even browning.
🍗 Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
♨️ For extra crispy results, broil for the last 1–2 minutes if baking.

Serving Suggestions:

These crispy tenders pair wonderfully with:

🧄 Garlic mashed potatoes or baked fries
🥗 Caesar salad or coleslaw
🍝 Buttered pasta or mac & cheese
🍞 Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
🧄 Dips like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, buffalo, or spicy ketchup

Tips:

Keep one hand “wet” and one hand “dry” when breading to stay mess-free.
Make a double batch and freeze extras—reheat in the oven or air fryer.
For the juiciest tenders, avoid overcooking and always rest for a few minutes before serving.
Add a pinch of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a fresh zing.
Leftovers make an amazing wrap, sandwich, or salad topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 4 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 19g
Sodium: 590mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

FAQs:

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes! Just cut the breasts into thin strips for even cooking.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes. Bread them in advance and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Or freeze for longer storage.

How do I reheat them and keep them crispy?

Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Freeze after breading or after baking. Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer.

Can I bake them without a wire rack?

Yes, but flip them halfway and bake a little longer to ensure both sides crisp up.

Conclusion:

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a homemade crispy chicken recipe—flavorful, cheesy, crunchy, and juicy. With their crowd-pleasing taste and easy prep, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game nights, party trays, and meal prep. Once you try these golden tenders with their irresistible parmesan crunch, you’ll never go back to frozen or fast food again. Serve them up hot with your favorite sides and sauces for a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and seriously addictive.