Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders! This recipe is a guaranteed family pleaser, delivering crispy, flavorful chicken that’s surprisingly low in carbohydrates. Forget complicated preparations; in just over 30 minutes, you can have a healthy, satisfying meal on the table that even picky eaters will rave about. Whether you’re actively seeking low-carb options or simply craving a mouthwatering chicken dish, these Parmesan-crusted tenders are about to become your new go-to.
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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
There are countless reasons why this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe has become a staple in our kitchen, and we’re sure it will in yours too! First and foremost, the sheer ease of preparation is unmatched. This isn’t a recipe that demands hours in the kitchen or a long list of exotic ingredients. It’s designed for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious without the fuss. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 35 minutes, making it faster than most takeout options!
Beyond its simplicity, the flavor profile is truly outstanding. The combination of savory Parmesan cheese, aromatic dried oregano, and a hint of garlic and paprika creates a crust that is incredibly crispy on the outside, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender. You get all the satisfying crunch of traditional breaded chicken, but without the added carbs, thanks to the clever cheese crust. Even those who aren’t specifically following a low-carb diet will fall head over heels for the rich taste and satisfying texture.
Speaking from personal experience, maintaining a balanced diet can be a challenge, especially when you love to cook and bake as much as I do! It’s a continuous journey to find recipes that are both healthy and incredibly flavorful. This recipe is a prime example of striking that perfect balance. It proves that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or enjoyment. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that makes healthy eating genuinely exciting.
If you’re a chicken enthusiast like us, you’ll also appreciate some of our other cherished chicken recipes. For game day or a fun appetizer, our Baked Chicken Wings are a crispy delight. Craving something smoky and succulent? Our Crispy BBQ Chicken Thighs with Bite-Through Skin are a must-try. For a vibrant and fresh meal, explore our Orange Rosemary Chicken Kabobs, and when you need a lightning-fast stir-fry, our Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry always hits the spot. Each of these recipes highlights chicken in a unique and delicious way, just like our Parmesan tenders!
Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Crafting these delectable chicken tenders requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The magic truly happens when these elements come together to create that irresistible golden crust and tender interior.
- Chicken: The star of our dish! While we specifically call for chicken tenders, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you can cut into 1-inch thick strips yourself for a similar “tender” shape. Chicken thighs, with their slightly richer flavor and moisture content, also work beautifully if you prefer dark meat. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best crust adherence.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is the hero of the crust! We highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture. Avoid the pre-grated variety in the green can, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting and crisping properly. A finer grate of Parmesan works best, as it creates a more uniform and adherent coating.
- Aromatic Seasonings: A carefully selected blend of spices elevates the flavor profile.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a classic Italian herbaceous note that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a foundational savory depth.
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers a beautiful color and a subtle smoky sweetness, enhancing the overall warmth of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Minced fresh parsley adds a touch of vibrant green color and a burst of fresh, peppery flavor to the coating. It’s also fantastic for garnish!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Our secret weapon for adhesion! Melting unsalted butter provides the perfect medium for the dry seasoning mixture to stick to the chicken tenders. It also contributes to the rich, golden-brown crust and a lovely buttery flavor that permeates the chicken as it bakes. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish.
With these fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders that are bursting with flavor and perfectly crispy every time!
How to Make the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
This Parmesan crusted chicken recipe became an instant favorite the moment it popped up on my feed – it’s a brilliant flour-free and breadcrumb-free approach that truly delivers! You won’t even miss the traditional coatings once you experience the incredible crispness and flavor of this cheese-based crust. Let’s get cooking!
Preparation is Key
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for perfectly cooked chicken and a crispy crust.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Crucially, place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil-lined pan. This elevated rack is vital for allowing air to circulate around the chicken tenders, preventing them from sitting in their own juices and ensuring an ultra-crispy crust on all sides.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl (a pie plate or a wide, shallow dish works well for dipping), combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or stir these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This is your flavorful crust mixture.
Chef’s Note: Through countless batches of making these tenders, I’ve discovered a secret to optimal crispness and adherence: the grate of your Parmesan cheese matters! Opt for a smaller grate, or even finely shred your Parmesan. A finer grate creates more surface area for the cheese to bond with the chicken and achieve a superior crispy texture. Avoid the coarse “green can” Parmesan for best results.
- Melt the Butter: In a second shallow dish, melt the unsalted butter. This will be your binding agent, helping the dry cheese mixture cling beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Coating and Baking Your Tenders
- Coat Each Chicken Tender: Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. The butter acts as the adhesive for our delicious crust.
- Roll in Seasoned Cheese Mixture: Immediately after dipping in butter, roll the butter-coated tender thoroughly in the seasoned Parmesan cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure a good, even coating on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each coated chicken tender in a single layer on the prepared wire rack over the baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece for optimal air circulation. This helps achieve maximum crispness.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken tenders. They are done when they are golden brown, the crust is crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) as measured by an instant-read thermometer.
Once baked, remove from the oven, and prepare for a chorus of compliments! These tenders are absolutely delicious straight out of the oven. Garnish with additional fresh minced parsley if desired for an extra touch of color and freshness. An absolutely delicious chicken dinner, ready in no time, that satisfies cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals!
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are so flavorful on their own that they don’t necessarily need a dipping sauce, but a side of warm marinara can always add a delightful touch for those who enjoy it. The beauty of these tenders lies in their versatility; they pair wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, allowing you to tailor your meal to your preferences.
Keeping It Low-Carb
If you’re committed to a low-carb meal, there are fantastic options that complement the chicken perfectly:
- Loaded Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying alternative to mashed potatoes. Our Loaded Cauliflower Mash Casserole offers all the comfort food vibes without the carbs, making it an ideal companion.
- Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms: A simple yet elegant vegetable side. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of green beans and the umami of mushrooms, creating a tender and flavorful pairing. Try our recipe for Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms for a delightful combination.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy “mac and cheese” experience with cauliflower as the star. This dish is rich and comforting, making it a perfect low-carb counterpart to the crispy chicken. Our Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe is surprisingly decadent.
- Simple Green Salad: Sometimes, the freshest and lightest option is the best. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or our Southern Buttermilk Dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
For a More Traditional Meal
If you’re not strictly adhering to a low-carb plan, these tenders are equally fantastic with classic comfort sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A timeless favorite that pairs beautifully with almost any chicken dish. Our Fast and Delicious Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a quick and easy way to prepare them.
- Pasta of Choice: Serve the tenders alongside a generous helping of your favorite pasta, perhaps tossed with a light tomato sauce or a simple olive oil and garlic dressing.
- Steamed Rice: A neutral and satisfying base that soaks up any delicious flavors, offering a wonderful textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Achieving restaurant-quality crispy Parmesan chicken tenders at home is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips will help you ensure your chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden every single time.
- Even Thickness is Essential: If you opt to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of pre-cut tenders, I highly recommend pounding them out to an even thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch. This step ensures that all pieces cook uniformly, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked. A meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan works wonders for this.
- Customize Your Chicken Cut: You can certainly buy larger chicken breasts and cut your own tenders. This gives you control over the size and shape. If you choose thinner chicken cutlets, be mindful to reduce the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook much faster.
- The Right Parmesan Makes All the Difference: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! For the best flavor and a truly crispy crust, do NOT use the pre-grated Parmesan cheese that comes in a green shaker can. That variety is often dry and contains cellulose (wood pulp) as an anti-caking agent, which can prevent it from melting and crisping properly. Instead, invest in a block of good quality Parmesan cheese and shred it yourself. Freshly shredded Parmesan has the moisture and fat content needed to create that beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- Fine Grate for Superior Adhesion: Building on the previous tip, I’ve found that shredding the Parmesan cheese on the smaller or finer side of your box grater (or using a microplane) yields superior results. The finer the grate, the better the cheese mixture will adhere to the chicken, creating a more cohesive and incredibly crispy coating.
- Elevate for Crispness: Always use a wire rack set inside a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup is a game-changer! It allows hot air to circulate completely around each chicken tender, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy by sitting in its own juices or rendered fat. The result is a perfectly crispy crust on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s adequate space between each chicken tender on the wire rack. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than baking, which will hinder the development of that coveted crispy crust. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure your chicken tenders are cooked through and safe to eat is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest tender; it should register 165°F (74°C).
Delicious Variations for Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
While the classic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe is a beloved favorite, there are many ways to customize and enhance the flavors to suit your palate or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Egg Wash for Extra Adhesion: We love this recipe just as it is, with butter as the primary binder. However, if you prefer an even thicker crust or find your cheese mixture isn’t adhering as well as you’d like, you can dip the chicken tenders in a lightly beaten egg (or two, depending on quantity) after the butter dip and before rolling in the cheese mixture. This creates an extra layer of binding.
- Alternative Binders:
- Dijon Mustard: For a subtle tangy kick and excellent adhesion, brush the chicken tenders with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before dipping them in the Parmesan mixture. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor without being overpowering.
- Mayonnaise: A thin coating of mayonnaise can also serve as a binder. It will contribute to a slightly richer flavor and help the crust become exceptionally golden.
- Spice It Up:
- Onion Powder: Enhance the savory notes by adding about ½ teaspoon of onion powder to your Parmesan seasoning blend. It provides another layer of aromatic flavor.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore garlic, feel free to increase the garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons or even add a pinch of garlic flakes for texture.
- Heat Boost: For those who like a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes added to the seasoning mixture will provide a delightful warmth.
- Fresh Herb Power: Experiment with different fresh herbs. While fresh parsley is classic, finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or a combination of Italian herbs would be absolutely delicious and add a gourmet touch to your tenders.
- Italian Seasoning Blend: For ultimate convenience and a well-rounded herbaceous flavor, substitute the dried oregano with 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of a good quality Italian seasoning blend. Many blends include oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, offering a complex taste with minimal effort.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: For a bright, fresh flavor, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to your Parmesan coating mixture. The citrus notes will beautifully cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Spicy Parmesan Ranch: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning mix (the dry kind) into your Parmesan crust mixture for a tangy, herbaceous, and slightly spicy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
To store any leftovers, first allow the chicken tenders to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While they will still be delicious, be aware that the crispy coating may lose some of its initial crispness upon refrigeration.
To bring back as much crispness as possible, avoid the microwave! Reheat your tenders in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for excellent results.
Yes, you can! For best results, freeze them cooked. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent tool for making these tenders extra crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Cooking time may vary by air fryer model.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breadcrumbs in the coating. Always double-check your individual ingredient labels (especially seasonings) to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.
More Delicious Low Carb Recipes to Explore
If you loved these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders and are looking for more fantastic low-carb meal ideas, you’re in luck! We’ve curated a selection of other delightful recipes that are just as flavorful and fit perfectly into a healthy eating plan. Expand your culinary repertoire with these enticing options:
A healthier twist on a classic, these cauliflower bites are perfectly spiced and baked until tender-crisp.
Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy, this grilled pork tenderloin is a keto dream come true for any BBQ night.
All the irresistible flavors of an egg roll, deconstructed into a healthy and satisfying bowl – perfect for meal prep!
Easy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders – a warning: this recipe is addictively delicious and low carb! Perfect for a quick, healthy, and family-friendly meal.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 572 kcal
Author: Leigh Harris
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack in the pan. This setup promotes even crisping.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Melt the butter in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, immediately roll the buttered tender in the seasoned cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even crust on all sides.
- Place each coated chicken tender on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispness, you can broil the tenders for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch very carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Using finely grated Parmesan cheese ensures better adhesion to the chicken and results in a more uniformly crispy crust. Avoid coarse or pre-grated Parmesan from a shaker can.
- The wire rack is crucial! It allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the coating from becoming soggy and promoting all-over crispness.
- Storing and Reheating: Let cooled tenders sit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven or air fryer for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispness.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 572kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 58g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 223mg
Sodium: 1451mg
Potassium: 948mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 2025IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Calcium: 343mg
Iron: 2mg