Overview

Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful chicken strips coated in a delicious Parmesan cheese mixture. They are perfect for a quick dinner or as a tasty appetizer, and they pair well with a variety of dipping sauces!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for baking or frying)

Timing

Making the Parmesan Chicken Tenders takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If frying, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, set up the following:

• Flour: Season the flour with salt and pepper.
• Eggs: Beat the eggs in the second bowl.
• Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

1. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

• Baking Method:

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

• Frying Method:

1. Fry Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the Parmesan chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Parmesan Chicken Tenders (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or fresh parsley for added flavor.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Conclusion

Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and cheesy treat that everyone will love. They are easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer. Enjoy this delightful recipe!