Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders are a universal favorite. Their crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior make them an irresistible dish for kids and adults alike. While classic chicken tenders are often breaded and fried, this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe takes the flavor and texture to the next level. By adding grated Parmesan to the breading mixture, you get a rich, cheesy, and savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken inside.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile and can be served with various dipping sauces or incorporated into other dishes. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a party, or meal prepping for the week, these chicken tenders are sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these crispy Parmesan chicken tenders. Whether you choose to fry or bake your tenders, the process remains largely the same.
Preparation: Set Up Your Breading Station
Before you begin, it’s important to set up a breading station. This makes the process smoother and ensures an even coating on your chicken tenders. You’ll need three shallow bowls for dredging the chicken tenders:
- Flour Bowl: In the first bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Egg Wash Bowl: In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. For added flavor, you can mix in a tablespoon of water or milk.
- Breadcrumb and Parmesan Coating Bowl: In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Dredging the Chicken Tenders
- Coat in Flour: Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. The egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Coat with Breadcrumb-Parmesan Mixture: Finally, press the chicken tender into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating on all sides. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
Cooking Methods
Frying Method:
Frying the chicken tenders in oil will give you a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-1.5 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the tenders are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Baking Method:
Baking the chicken tenders is a healthier alternative, and it still delivers a crispy result without the need for frying.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Bake the Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through.
- Optional Broiling: For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Once your crispy Parmesan chicken tenders are ready, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces or alongside your favorite sides.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a tangy BBQ sauce. You can also try a creamy garlic aioli or buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Side Dishes: Pair these tenders with mashed potatoes, a green salad, French fries, roasted vegetables, or macaroni and cheese for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
To ensure that your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
3.1 Ensure Even Coating
When breading the chicken tenders, make sure to coat each piece evenly. This helps ensure a consistent, crispy exterior on every tender.
Adjust the Oil Temperature
If you’re frying, make sure your oil is the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Step
If you have time, chill the breaded chicken tenders in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer
For perfectly cooked chicken tenders, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Double Breading (Optional)
For an extra-thick, extra-crispy crust, you can double-bread the chicken tenders. After the first coating of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, dip the tenders back into the egg wash and coat them again with the breadcrumb mixture.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your tastes.
Chicken Parmesan Tenders
Transform these crispy chicken tenders into a Chicken Parmesan dish by topping each tender with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese, then serve with pasta.
Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
To make these tenders gluten-free, simply swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend.
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle chili powder on the tenders before cooking.
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Lemon Zest
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked tenders for a zesty finish.
Conclusion
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are an elevated version of the classic chicken tender. The combination of the crispy Parmesan coating, juicy chicken, and flavorful seasonings makes this dish irresistible. Whether you choose to fry or bake your tenders, following this comprehensive guide ensures you’ll achieve perfect results every time. With plenty of variations to explore and serving suggestions to try, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders are a universal favorite. Their crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior make them an irresistible dish for kids and adults alike. While classic chicken tenders are often breaded and fried, this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe takes the flavor and texture to the next level. By adding grated Parmesan to the breading mixture, you get a rich, cheesy, and savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 12 tenders)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying, or you can bake with less)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the breading station:
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour, season with salt and pepper, and mix.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Bowl 3: Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
2. Coat the chicken tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure it's fully coated, and shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it's coated well.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick and create a nice crust.
3. Cook the chicken tenders:
- For frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), add the chicken tenders. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs makes the tenders extra crispy. You can also use plain breadcrumbs if preferred, but panko gives a great texture.
- Chicken: Chicken breasts can also be used for larger tenders. Just cut them into strips that are roughly 1 inch wide and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, baking the tenders is a great option. Be sure to spray the chicken with oil or drizzle a little olive oil on top to ensure they get crispy in the oven.
- Dipping Sauces: These tenders are great with a variety of dipping sauces—try marinara, ranch, or a spicy buffalo sauce for extra flavor!
- Make-Ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before frying or baking.