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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Olive oil, for frying - 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish The main ingredients for crispy chicken Parmesan tenders are simple yet essential. I love using chicken tenders because they cook fast and stay juicy. The breadcrumbs add crunch, and panko is my favorite for extra crispiness. The grated Parmesan cheese gives a nice flavor boost and a golden color. For seasoning, I use garlic powder, oregano, and basil. These herbs make the dish smell amazing while cooking. I always recommend adding salt and pepper to taste. A little olive oil in the pan makes everything crispy and delicious. Finally, a bowl of warm marinara sauce is perfect for dipping. It complements the chicken so well! Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fresh taste on top. This recipe is easy, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of the article. First, rinse the chicken tenders under cold water. This helps remove any unwanted residue. Next, dry them well with paper towels. This step is key to achieving a crispy finish. Now, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add one cup of all-purpose flour. This will help the egg stick better. In the second bowl, whisk together two large eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix one cup of breadcrumbs with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of dried basil. This mixture adds great flavor to the chicken. Now comes the fun part! Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour first. Make sure to shake off the excess flour. Then, dip the tender into the egg mixture, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the tender in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil for frying, about 1/4 inch deep. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove them and place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil. Enjoy these crispy chicken Parmesan tenders with some warm marinara sauce for dipping. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To get that great crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy, which makes your chicken tender crispier. Regular breadcrumbs can make the coating dense. When frying, heat the oil to medium. The right oil temperature is key. Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil; too high, and it burns. Aim for about 350°F. This ensures the tenders cook evenly. Pair these chicken tenders with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The sauce adds rich flavor and moisture. You can also serve them with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Pasta makes a great side too. Try a simple spaghetti with olive oil and herbs. One common mistake is overcrowding the skillet. This makes it hard for the chicken to fry evenly. Instead, fry in batches. Also, don’t forget to season your chicken well. A lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavor. Salt and pepper are a must before breading. {{image_2}} You can choose to bake or fry your crispy chicken Parmesan tenders. Baking gives you a lighter option. To make baked crispy chicken Parmesan tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After breading the chicken, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray a light coat of cooking spray on top for extra crispiness. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. When baking, keep an eye on the tenders. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Adjust cooking times based on your oven. Every oven is a bit different, so you may need to test a few batches to find your perfect timing. You can easily change the flavor of your chicken tenders. Adding spices or herbs can create new taste profiles. Try smoked paprika for a smoky kick or cayenne for some heat. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can brighten the dish. Mixing different cheese blends can also add depth. You can use mozzarella for a melty bite or a sharp cheddar for a kick. Feel free to experiment and find what you love best! Crispy chicken Parmesan tenders can be served in many fun ways! You can turn them into a tasty sandwich. Simply place the tenders in a bun and add marinara sauce and cheese. Another great idea is to put the tenders on a salad. A fresh green salad topped with crispy chicken can make a filling meal. Don't forget to drizzle your favorite dressing on top! To keep your crispy chicken Parmesan tenders fresh, let them cool first. Use airtight containers or resealable bags for storage. These options prevent moisture and keep the tenders crispy. If you plan to eat them within a few days, store them in the fridge. If you want to save them longer, go for the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet for even heating. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they're warm and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps retain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep that crunch. In the refrigerator, your crispy chicken Parmesan tenders last for about 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you freeze them, they can last for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date, so you know when to use them. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips similar in size to tenders. This helps them cook evenly. The cooking time might change slightly, so check for doneness. Chicken breasts may be less juicy than tenders, but they are still tasty. To make them gluten-free, swap regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, like crushed rice cereal or gluten-free panko. These swaps keep the crunch while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can serve these tenders with various sides. A fresh salad pairs well, or you can try roasted veggies for color. Garlic bread is a classic side, too. For dipping, warm marinara sauce is the perfect choice! This blog post shared how to make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders. You learned the main ingredients, from chicken to breadcrumbs. I covered step-by-step instructions for perfect cooking and tips to avoid common mistakes. Remember to use panko for crispiness and season well. You can also try variations like baking or adding spices for flavor. Proper storage and reheating methods help keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy your cooking and share these tenders with friends!

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders

Savor the crunch with these delicious crispy chicken Parmesan tenders! This recipe features juicy chicken coated in a golden panko and Parmesan crust, seasoned to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snacks, these tenders are served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Ready in just 30 minutes, discover how to make this crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Olive oil, for frying

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Set up Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading stations:

      - In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour.

        - In the second bowl, whisk the two eggs until combined.

          - In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Mix well.

            Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour (shake off excess), then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside.

              Fry the Tenders: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (about 1/4 inch deep). Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the skillet (do not overcrowd). Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

                Serve: Arrange the crispy chicken Parmesan tenders on a serving platter. Serve with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings