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Cozy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Easy 20-Min Recipe

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These Cozy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. They deliver that perfect combination of crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken that makes comfort food so satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Your favorite dipping sauces (honey mustard, ranch, marinara, or aioli, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into strips about 1 inch wide. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
  4. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir together.
  5. Working with one strip at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the mayo mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken, making sure every surface is well coated.
  6. Transfer each coated strip to the prepared wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the tenders rest on the rack for 2-3 minutes after baking. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, use a wire rack. If you don’t have one, flip the tenders halfway through baking. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to prevent it from falling off. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, crispy chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked chicken tenders

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders-easy-20-min-recipe/