When it comes to satisfying meals that please both picky eaters and seasoned food lovers, nothing beats a batch of Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders. These golden bites of joy are everything you want in a comfort food—cheesy, crunchy, and full of savory flavor—but made in a way that keeps things wholesome and light.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family, prepping ahead for the week, or just craving something that feels indulgent without the grease, these parmesan crusted chicken strips deliver every time. No deep frying. No mystery ingredients. Just crunchy parmesan-coated chicken tenders baked or air-fried to crispy perfection.
This is your ultimate guide to making the best oven baked parmesan chicken tenders right at home—loaded with flavor, easy to prep, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Crispy without frying – baked or air-fried to perfection
Packed with protein and flavor
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or party snacks
Made with real, simple ingredients
Freezer-friendly and quick to reheat
Easily customizable with herbs or spices
Serve with dipping sauces, salads, or sandwiches
Ingredients & Tools (Function, Tips & Substitutions)
Core Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders – tenderloin cuts ensure even cooking and juicy centers
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – gives that signature nutty, cheesy crust; freshly grated preferred
1 cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs – use panko for extra crunch
2 large eggs – acts as a binder between chicken and the coating
1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder – adds layered savory flavor
1 tsp Italian seasoning – a blend of oregano, basil, thyme for classic herb flavor
Salt & black pepper – for balance and depth
Olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray – helps crisp without added fat
Equipment:
Mixing bowls – for dredging and coating
Baking sheet (with parchment) or air fryer basket
Tongs – for turning and handling
Cooling rack – optional but helps maintain crispiness after baking
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prep your air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a rack over the sheet for added crisp.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In one bowl, beat the eggs.
In another, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Food science note: Parmesan not only adds flavor—it caramelizes during baking, helping to create that extra crispy crust.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry. Dip each one in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the cheese-breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven method: Place tenders on baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10–12 minutes per side or until golden and internal temp hits 165°F.
Air fryer method: Spray air fryer basket. Air fry tenders for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes to allow juices to settle and coating to firm. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips (With Voice & PAA Answers)
How do you make crispy parmesan chicken tenders in the oven?
Use a combo of breadcrumbs and parmesan, bake at a high temperature, and spray lightly with oil for a crispy, golden finish—no frying needed.
What’s the best way to keep chicken tenders juicy?
Patting the chicken dry and coating evenly with egg before breading helps lock in moisture. Don’t overcook—165°F is the sweet spot.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Panko makes your cheesy baked chicken tenders even crunchier.
Are parmesan chicken tenders good for meal prep?
Yes! Bake ahead and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Best Ways to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
With classic marinara or ranch dip
Sliced over a Caesar salad or grain bowl
In a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and Greek yogurt sauce
Paired with Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Tucked into a toasted bun for a chicken parm sandwich
Try it with our Lemon Garlic Green Beans or Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
Nutrition Breakdown (Per 2 tenders)
Calories: 280
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Based on baking method and using part-skim cheese and plain breadcrumbs.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months
Reheat Tips: Bake or air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible (will soften coating).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your parmesan is certified gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese for coating?
Freshly grated Parmesan is best—it melts slightly and creates a crisp crust. Avoid pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice into strips and pound slightly thinner to ensure even cooking.
Are these okay for kids?
Definitely. These garlic parmesan chicken fingers are mild, cheesy, and fun to dip—perfect for picky eatersVariations & Flavor Twists
Spicy Parmesan Tenders: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix
Lemon-Herb Tenders: Add lemon zest and thyme for a Mediterranean vibe
Buffalo Parmesan: Drizzle tenders with buffalo sauce before serving
Keto version: Use almond flour and skip breadcrumbs
Asian-Inspired: Swap seasonings for garlic-ginger powder and serve with sweet chili dip
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders bring together everything you love in comfort food: a golden, crunchy crust, juicy chicken, and bold parmesan flavor—all without deep frying. It’s a recipe that’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and packed with cheesy goodness.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders – Golden, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Crunchy
These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Perfect for an easy dinner, appetizer, or kid-friendly meal
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders is the star of this recipe. Ensure the chicken is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese will provide a rich, nutty flavor and crispy coating. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal taste and texture.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs will help achieve that crispy exterior. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten, will act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs and cheese adhere to the chicken.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste will enhance the flavor of the chicken tenders. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences.
- Cooking Spray: Olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray will help to achieve a golden-brown finish without adding too much fat.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Clean and Trim the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Trimming any excess fat will result in a cleaner presentation and better texture.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated in the spices. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will create a sticky layer for the breadcrumb mixture to adhere to.
- Combine the Breading Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of cheese throughout the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Repeat the Process: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken tenders will start cooking immediately, promoting that desired crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Arrange the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
- Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them; the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Final Touch: If desired, spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray halfway through cooking to enhance browning and crispiness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.
