Parmesan Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe

Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, these aren’t your average chicken tenders! Forget the drive-through; we’re elevating this classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden-brown crust, infused with the nutty, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, giving way to juicy, tender chicken inside. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of the chicken tender are debated, its popularity exploded in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming a staple on menus across America. But let’s be honest, not all chicken tenders are created equal. Many fall flat, lacking flavor and offering a disappointing, often soggy, experience. That’s where this recipe for Parmesan Chicken Tenders shines. We’re taking a beloved dish and giving it a gourmet twist.

People adore chicken tenders for their simplicity and satisfying crunch. They’re quick to prepare, easy to eat, and universally appealing to both kids and adults. But the addition of Parmesan cheese takes these tenders from ordinary to extraordinary. The salty, umami-rich Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, the cheese helps create an incredibly crispy coating that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a restaurant. Get ready to experience chicken tender perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Chicken and Breading Station

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our chicken and set up our breading station. This is key to making the process smooth and efficient.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, take your chicken breasts and cut them into strips that are about 1-inch thick. You want them to be uniform in size so they cook evenly. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Nobody wants soggy chicken tenders!
2. Set up the Breading Station: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need three shallow dishes or plates.
   • Dish 1: Flour Mixture: In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix it all together really well. This seasoned flour is the first layer of flavor and helps the egg wash stick.
   • Dish 2: Egg Wash: In the second dish, whisk the two large eggs until they are light and frothy. Make sure the yolks and whites are fully combined. A good egg wash is crucial for the breading to adhere properly.
   • Dish 3: Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix them thoroughly. If you’re using plain breadcrumbs, you might want to add a pinch more salt and pepper to this mixture. The Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty and salty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Breading the Chicken Tenders

Now comes the fun part – coating the chicken! This is where we transform those plain chicken strips into crispy, cheesy delights.

1. Dredge in Flour: Take one chicken strip at a time and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. You don’t want a thick layer of flour, just a light coating.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken strip into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. The egg wash acts like glue, helping the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
3. Coat in Parmesan Breadcrumbs: Finally, transfer the chicken strip to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and press it firmly into the breadcrumbs, coating it evenly on all sides. Make sure the breadcrumbs are really sticking to the chicken. This is what will give you that crispy, cheesy crust.
4. Repeat: Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken strips. As you bread them, place them on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.

Cooking the Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to cook these beauties. You have a couple of options here: pan-frying or baking. I’ll give you instructions for both, so you can choose your preferred method.

Pan-Frying Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the breadcrumbs.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Don’t Overcrowd: If you overcrowd the pan, the temperature of the oil will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy tenders. It’s better to cook them in batches.
4. Remove and Drain: Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Arrange Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
4. Drizzle with Oil (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly drizzle the chicken strips with a little olive oil. This helps them brown nicely in the oven.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Again, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Broil (Optional): For extra browning, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving and Enjoying Your Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Congratulations! You’ve made delicious Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the cooked chicken tenders with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Parmesan Chicken Tenders immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
3. Dipping Sauces: These tenders are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces! Here are a few suggestions:
   • Marinara sauce
   • Ranch dressing
   • Honey mustard
   • Barbecue sauce
   • Garlic aioli
4. Sides: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite sides, such as:
   • French fries
   • Sweet potato fries
   • Coleslaw
   • Mac and cheese
   • Salad
5. Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a nice touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a little heat.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make Ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover them tightly.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the breaded chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 2 hours, or until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy your homemade Parmesan Chicken Tenders!

Conclusion:

This Asian Chicken Marinade isn’t just another recipe; it’s your express ticket to flavor town! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to transform ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary, you absolutely have to give this a try. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes creates a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. I’ve been making this for years, and it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers restaurant-quality results. Forget those bland, boring chicken dishes of the past. This marinade infuses the chicken with so much flavor that you’ll be amazed. It’s also incredibly versatile. While I’ve focused on chicken, this marinade works beautifully with other proteins too. Think succulent pork tenderloin, juicy shrimp skewers, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this deliciousness. Grilled chicken marinated in this sauce is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed broccoli or a vibrant Asian slaw. You could also shred the chicken and use it in lettuce wraps with crunchy water chestnuts and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. For a quick and easy lunch, slice the marinated chicken and add it to a salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds.

But wait, there’s more! Feel free to experiment with variations to suit your own taste. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. For a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of honey or brown sugar. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of rice vinegar for an extra layer of tanginess.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!

The beauty of this Asian Chicken Marinade is that it’s incredibly forgiving. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking. That’s the fun of cooking, right? Making a recipe your own! I often add a little grated ginger for an extra zing, especially during the colder months. And sometimes, I’ll throw in a clove of minced garlic for a more pungent flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of this amazing marinade. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a game-changer!

Share Your Creations!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the incredible flavor for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other with our culinary creations! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you come up with using this fantastic Asian Chicken Marinade.