Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

This Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips. Oven-baked until they are golden brown and crispy, the result is tender, flavorful chicken with a satisfying, savory Parmesan crust.

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Recipes like this Parmesan Chicken Tenders are perfect for an easy dinner on those busy weeknights. More easy dinner recipes include this Beef Taco Rice Bowl and this Chicken Broccoli Bake. Check out all of our Healthy Dinner Recipes for more inspiration.

Why YOU will love this recipe

• These healthy oven-baked chicken tenders need only THREE ingredients. So simple.
• They are naturally gluten-free with no panko breadcrumbs or all-purpose flour.
• This dish is popular with both kids and adults. Win-win.

Ingredients

• chicken tenderloins – Sometimes you can find these tenders already prepared at the grocery store. You can also slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips.
• eggs – These work as a binder helping the shredded cheese stick to the chicken.
• shredded parmesan cheese – We use the real stuff and recommend you do too! Parmesan cheese has a rich, complex taste with a distinct umami quality. Unfortunately, the fake stuff often lacks the depth of flavor and texture found in the real thing.

Equipment

• box grater – Our favorite tool for shredding cheese. Use the medium shred holes for grating the parmesan.
• baking sheet – We use a large-rimmed baking sheet for cooking the chicken.
• parchment paper – Essential for easy cleanup. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.
• small bowl and a fork – This is for beating the egg. You could also use a small whisk if you prefer.
• plate – for placing the shredded cheese on for the ‘breading’ station.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, start by preheating the oven and lining the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Next, set up your ‘breading’ station.

Have your chicken laid out, the whisked eggs in a bowl, and the shredded parm on a plate.

Step 3

Then, start prepping the tenders.

First, dip the chicken in the egg, then coat both sides with parmesan, then transfer it to the lined baking sheet.

Keep the pieces spaced out and not touching.

Step 4

Next, pop the tray into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottom has browned, then flip over and bake for another 10-12. The cheese should be browned and crispy looking.

You can use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F.

Expert tips

Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper before you dip it in the egg. This is a small and simple thing to do but really adds flavor to the protein. Seasoning it before cooking permeates the meat and adds flavor throughout the chicken.

Be sure to leave room between the pieces of chicken on the sheet while baking. This allows the air to circulate and will help the chicken to brown and crisp up nicely.

Recipe variations

• Sprinkle in a bit of garlic powder and onion powder or even Italian Seasoning along with the shredded parmesan cheese before ‘breading’ the chicken to give the mixture another level of taste.
• After baking, toss the tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy and tangy twist. Or just serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
• This recipe for Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is coated in almond flour breading and is another great option.

Serving suggestions

• Provide a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. Some popular options include marinara sauce as pictured, homemade ranch dressing, honey mustard (without the honey), spicy dipping sauce, or even creamy lemon mayonnaise.
• Make chicken tender sandwiches by placing them in toasted buns or baguettes with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of condiments.
• Serve the chicken tenders on a bed of mixed greens or a yummy Caesar salad for a satisfying and crunchy salad topping.
• They taste great served alongside a pasta salad. We love this Pasta Salad without Mayo! They are also perfect with a warm pasta dish like this creamy delicious cajun alfredo.

FAQS

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

More healthy chicken recipes

**This recipe was originally posted on September 25, 2015, and updated on September 5, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried our Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, please rate it and let us know how it turned out by leaving us a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!

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