Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders Delight

$For this recipe, you need: - 1 pound chicken tenders Chicken tenders are great for this dish. They are tender and cook quickly. You can also use chicken breasts, but tenders give a better texture. Next, gather the coating ingredients: - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs make the crust extra crispy. Mixing these two creates a wonderful topping. To add flavor, include: - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These spices enhance the taste. Garlic powder brings warmth. Italian seasoning adds a herby touch. Smoked paprika gives a nice color and depth. For the egg wash, you’ll need: - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard This mixture helps the coating stick. The mustard adds a bit of zing, making the chicken even tastier. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. You can also use cooking spray or olive oil to grease the sheet. In a shallow bowl, mix together the following ingredients: - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir well so all flavors blend nicely. In another bowl, crack 2 large eggs and add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Whisk them together until smooth. This egg wash helps the coating stick to the chicken. Take a chicken tender and dip it into the egg wash. Let any extra egg drip back into the bowl. Then, coat it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure a thick layer. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. After coating all the chicken tenders, drizzle a bit of olive oil over each one. This step is key! It makes the crust crispy and golden when baked. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be crisp and golden brown. Once baked, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This helps the juices settle. Each bite will be juicy and delicious. To get a crispy coating, use fresh Parmesan cheese. The finer the cheese, the better it sticks. Mix the cheese with panko breadcrumbs. This combo gives a great crunch. Don't skip the olive oil drizzle. It helps the crust turn golden brown. Press the coating onto the chicken well. This makes sure it sticks during baking. Bake the chicken tenders for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure the oven is at 400°F (200°C). Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want them extra crispy, bake a few minutes longer. Just watch them closely to avoid burning. For a fun presentation, use a wooden board. Arrange the chicken tenders neatly. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve with small bowls of marinara sauce or zesty lemon garlic aioli. These dips enhance the dish and make it more inviting. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen ones for the best flavor and texture. Season Generously: Add extra spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a bolder flavor profile that suits your taste. Crispiness Check: If you prefer an extra crispy coating, consider broiling the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Resting Time: Letting the tenders rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken. {{image_4}} You can add more flavor to your chicken tenders. Try using: - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary These spices enhance the taste and make each bite exciting. Parmesan is amazing, but you can mix it up. Some great choices are: - Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick - Gruyère for a nutty flavor - Cheddar for a creamy texture Each cheese brings a unique twist to the dish. If you need gluten-free chicken tenders, it's easy to adapt. Use: - Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs - Almond flour or crushed cornflakes - Ground oats as a substitute These options keep the crispiness while catering to dietary needs. After you make Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to put a piece of paper towel in the container. This keeps moisture away and helps them stay crispy. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. It’s best to label the bag with the date so you remember when you made them. To reheat your chicken tenders, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes, until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This keeps the crust nice and crunchy! You can check if chicken tenders are done by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). When the chicken is cooked, it will look golden and crispy. Cut into one tender to see if the meat is no longer pink. The juices should run clear. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Just cut the breasts into strips. Make sure they are about the same thickness as tenders. This helps them cook evenly. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly with thicker pieces. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders taste great with many dipping sauces. Here are some tasty ideas: - Marinara sauce - Honey mustard - Zesty lemon garlic aioli - Barbecue sauce These sauces add flavor and fun to each bite. You can prep the chicken tenders a day in advance. Coat them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, just bake them straight from the fridge. This way, you save time on busy days. Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders. Let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) until heated through. To make tasty Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders, start with fresh chicken. Mix cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices for a great coating. Follow the steps to bake them to crispy perfection. Remember the tips for serving and storing. You can even switch up the flavors with different cheeses or seasonings. This dish is easy and fun. Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders fresh or from the freezer. Now, you have all the tools to impress at any meal!$

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders Delight

Crispy and flavorful chicken tenders coated in a delicious Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add the Dijon mustard. Whisk until well blended.
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Arrange on the baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken tenders.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and the coating is golden and crisp.
Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken tenders arranged on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Accompany with small bowls of marinara sauce or a zesty lemon garlic aioli for an enticing dipping experience.

Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, Parmesan, tenders