Crispy Chicken Tenders Parmesan Recipe: A Cheesy Comfort Classic

Crispy chicken tenders parmesan bring restaurant-quality magic straight to your home kitchen.

My favorite Italian-inspired dish combines golden breading with rich cheese and bold seasonings.

Perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that makes everyone at the table lean forward with anticipation.

Melted parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension that complements the tender chicken beneath.

Simple ingredients come together in under 30 minutes, making this meal both impressive and achievable.

We can easily customize the recipe with extra herbs or spices to suit individual tastes.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing classic that promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Reasons to Love Chicken Tenders Parmesan

• Quick and Effortless Meal: Whip up this delightful chicken tenders Parmesan with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight everyone at the table with a classic favorite that combines crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce in one irresistible dish.
• Versatile Dining Option: Easily customize this recipe by switching up sides or adding your favorite herbs and spices to create a personalized meal that suits any taste preference.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that requires simple baking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without complicated cooking steps.

What Goes in Chicken Tenders Parmesan

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, juicy strips of chicken perfect for baking and coating.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds a delicious savory touch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs and seasonings.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that add color and flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps with greasing the baking dish and adds a light flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

• Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread: Classic accompaniments that complement the chicken tenders.

Directions for Chicken Tenders Parmesan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

This temperature will help transform your chicken tenders into golden, crunchy delights.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and give it a light brush of oil or cooking spray.

Spread out the chicken tenders in a single, beautiful layer so they can cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.

Step 3: First Bake Session

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let the chicken tenders bake for about 25 minutes.

You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color and a sizzling hot interior.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F at its thickest point.

Step 4: Sauce Preparation

While the chicken is baking, get your marinara sauce ready.

• Microwave method: Zap in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes
• Stovetop method: Warm gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat

Step 5: Cheesy Transformation

• Pull the dish out of the oven
• Drizzle marinara sauce generously over each tender
• Sprinkle a layer of
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Garnish with fresh
• Chopped basil
• Chopped parsley

Step 6: Final Melt and Brown

Pop the dish back into the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Watch the magic happen as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous light golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately.

Chicken Tenders Parmesan Helpful Tips

• Place the baking dish on the center rack for consistent heat distribution and even browning of chicken tenders.
• Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels before breading to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy coating.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile and unique melting characteristics.
• Use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce, or try arrabbiata sauce for a spicier kick that elevates the dish's flavor.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Keep Chicken Tenders Parmesan Tasty Later

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken tenders maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• For quick reheating, place tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain crispiness.

Sides for Chicken Tenders Parmesan

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan and cleanse your palate with its bright acidity.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a peppery, tangy side that balances the hearty, cheesy chicken tenders and adds a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Serve warm, crusty focaccia bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs to soak up the marinara sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Create Mediterranean-Inspired Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic, offering a light and nutritious accompaniment to the rich chicken dish.

Ideas to Change Up Chicken Tenders Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Parmesan Chicken: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a low-carb marinara sauce to keep the dish keto-compliant.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken tenders before baking for those who love a bit of heat.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken tenders are crispy and not soggy?

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before breading to remove excess moisture. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and make sure to coat each tender evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.

• Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels. Frozen chicken can release extra moisture, which might prevent the crispy texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or make a quick tomato sauce using canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. The key is to have a flavorful, tomato-based sauce that complements the chicken.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not in its traditional form. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating, and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

Chicken Tenders Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken tenders parmesan brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table with golden-breaded chicken and melted cheese. Rich marinara and parmesan create a classic flavor combination that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 8 Chicken Tenders (breaded)

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/3 Cup (79 ml) Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 4 Ounces (113 grams) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Sauce and Herbs:

• 2 Cups (473 ml) Marinara Sauce
• 2 Teaspoons (10 ml) Freshly Chopped Basil or Parsley

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 425°F, preparing a golden-crisp canvas for the chicken tenders.
2. Grease a spacious baking dish and arrange the chicken tenders in a neat, single layer to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness.
3. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the tenders roast for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring they transform into golden, heated morsels that hit the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
4. During the chicken’s roasting time, gently warm the marinara sauce either in the microwave or on the stovetop, coaxing it to a steamy, inviting temperature.
5. Extract the sizzling chicken tenders from the oven and lavish them with the heated marinara sauce, creating a vibrant crimson blanket.
6. Generously dust the sauced tenders with a snowfall of Parmesan cheese, followed by a melting layer of mozzarella that promises gooey decadence.
7. Scatter fresh herbs like basil or parsley across the cheesy landscape for a burst of aromatic freshness.
8. Return the adorned dish to the oven for a final 15-20 minute transformation, waiting until the cheese bubbles and turns a tempting golden-brown.
9. Plate the chicken tenders alongside your preferred accompaniments – perhaps twirled pasta, crisp salad, or crusty garlic bread – and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken tenders with tofu or plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the crispy, cheesy essence of the dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour coating to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the crunchy texture.
• Reduce cheese quantities or opt for low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan to create a lighter, diet-conscious meal that still delivers robust flavors.
• Experiment with different marinara sauces like spicy arrabbiata or herb-infused varieties to add unexpected depth and personalize the recipe’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg