Baked Chicken Tenders lightly coated with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs are a simple, budget friendly way the whole family can enjoy dinner at home.
This recipe is similar to our Garlic Baked Chicken which uses whole chicken breasts.
Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Kids love how tender these Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders are and adults enjoy the flavors. It’s great to have easy homemade meal options that are simple enough for anyone to make.
We enjoy eating Parmesan crusted chicken tenders with our Creamy Potato Bake and Zucchini Casserole. For a special meal, our Moist & Rich Chocolate Cake or Cream Puff Cake may make an appearance too!
The cheesy coating on the chicken tenders just gets better as it bakes in the oven in butter. The rich dairy flavors from butter and Parmesan cheese blend together to make this the best chicken parmesan recipe I’ve ever made.
These parmesan chicken tenders are great for meal prepping because they reheat well and can be served with so many other dishes throughout the week. If there are leftovers we love chopping them to use in a Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli!
Our family also enjoys this Instant Pot Chicken Carbonara, I’m tempted to make that dish without chicken and serve it with these chicken tenders. My kids would also be super happy just to eat chicken tenders and our Crock Pot Mac and Cheese.
What Are Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a whole muscle cut of meat (not ground meat that is re-shaped into a tender) that is cut from the most tender part of the chicken breast.
Since the tenderloin is a smaller, premium piece of meat which is a bit more scarce and requires labor to cut out they typically bring a higher price.
The most tender cuts of meat come from lesser used muscles, are typically smaller, lean and cook quickly.
Chicken Parmesan Made With Chicken Tenders
The best chicken parmesan is made with chicken tenders and lightly breaded and coated with seasonings. Baking the chicken in butter just adds so much more rich flavor to the dish.
Whole chicken breasts can be sliced into evenly sized pieces and substituted for chicken tenders in this recipe. The key to cooking keeping this meat tender is not to overcook it.
About three large chicken breasts can be used to roughly equal three pounds of chicken tenders.
These baked chicken tenders are delicious alone or can be served over spaghetti with our Homemade Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce or the ground beef can be omitted from our Crock Pot Spaghetti to serve along with the chicken tenders.
How to Tell When Chicken Tenders Are Done
Always use a digital meat thermometer to determine when chicken strips are done cooking. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
I like to insert a digital thermometer in the side of the chicken to get the maximum contact on the sensor with the thermometer.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Begin by mixing bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic salt (or garlic powder), salt and pepper together. I like to use a square baking dish.
Prepare a bowl with melted butter.
Use a paper towel to dry chicken tenders so that the butter and topping will stick better.
I like to clear the counter and set up an assembly line to make the process as quick and efficient as possible.
This recipe works well for three pounds of parmesan chicken tenders which fit in two 9 x 13-inch baking dishes. Two dishes fill one rack in a typical oven and create enough chicken to feed 6 to 8 people.
Sometimes I take a little extra coating and sprinkle over the top before I pour on the butter. It tastes great, but looks a little messy.
Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chicken should be baked in a single layer. My dish in the pictures bakes in about 20 to 25 minutes. BUT there are several variables that can affect baking time, including temperature of the chicken when placed in the oven, how close pieces are in the pan and how true to temp your oven is.
Can Parmesan Chicken Tenders Be Frozen
Cooked chicken tenders can be frozen for up to three months in a tightly sealed freezer bag or freezer container.
Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container.
Other Easy Chicken Recipes:
- BBQ Chicken Sliders are a great way to use leftover chicken (or turkey). Use Hawaiian rolls and add bacon and cheese to create a super delish meal!
- Saucy Chicken & Vegetables mixes chicken and vegetables with an easy saucy that makes a great family meal.
- Crock Pot Swiss Chicken & Stuffing is comfort food at it’s finest and a super easy meal to make.
- Chicken & Dumpling Casserole will warm you up and fill you up!
Printable Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chicken tenders
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, salt, and pepper together.
- Using a microwave safe bowl melt butter.
- Trim pieces of chicken if necessary. Using a paper towel dry the chicken pieces.
- Dip chicken in the melted butter then in the crumbs. Place chicken in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining butter over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes until a digital meat thermometer shows that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
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Oven temp?
Hey There! 350℉. Hope you enjoy the recipe!