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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to a toasty 425°F, preparing a golden-crisp canvas for the chicken tenders.
- Grease a spacious baking dish and arrange the chicken tenders in a neat, single layer to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extract the sizzling chicken tenders from the oven and lavish them with the heated marinara sauce, creating a vibrant crimson blanket.
- Generously dust the sauced tenders with a snowfall of Parmesan cheese, followed by a melting layer of mozzarella that promises gooey decadence.
- Scatter fresh herbs like basil or parsley across the cheesy landscape for a burst of aromatic freshness.
- 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.
- 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