This crispy and flavorful Easy Chicken Tenders Recipe is a super simple 30-minute meal. It's a family-friendly chicken recipe that's a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
If you need a gluten-free option, try our Healthy Chicken Tenders.
We're big fans of chicken recipes around here. What's even better is if our chicken dinner is on the table FAST! That is why we love this 30-minute recipe for Easy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders.
EVERYONE in the family gobbles them up!
Plus, you bake them, so they're a healthier choice for a quick weeknight dinner. (See below for the air fryer recipe)
Because you need a good sauce, here are the best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders.
If you have leftovers, we have all the tips on how to reheat crispy chicken tenders.
You're probably saying this looks ahhhmazzing!! It's an easy, peasy recipe as well!!
How to Make Easy Chicken Tenders
- PREP - Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a large wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
- MAKE - Place flour in a shallow dish. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow dish. Combine parmesan and breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Toss tenders in a medium bowl with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Coat each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in egg and let any excess drip off. Then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the tenders on the prepared rack. Generously coat the top of each tender with cooking spray.
- BAKE - Put in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Turn each tender over and coat with cooking spray. Continue baking until the outside is crisp and the tenders are cooked through, about 10 minutes more. Serve the tenders with a marinara or another sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Recipe
To cook your chicken tenders in the air fryer, follow the recipe as instructed up to coating them in bread crumbs then:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Coat the air fryer basket with the olive oil spray
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.
- In batches, cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden outside.
Dipping ideas
Chicken Tenders and dips go hand-in-hand. Try one of these options:
- Marinara
- Ranch Dip
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey Mustard
Recipe tips & tricks
- We love whole wheat bread crumbs, but you may substitute regular if that's what you have on hand.
- Serve your Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli and roasted sweet potato wedges.
- Always cook chicken or turkey to a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Next time, I'll double the batch because this easy chicken tender recipe is something special!
PRO TIP: For a healthier option use whole wheat bread crumbs. However, You can substitute regular if that's what you have on hand.
Storing
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Please note that the chicken tenders won't stay crisp but will still taste delicious when reheated.
Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals until heated through.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken & Vegetables
Love this Easy Chicken Tenders recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Easy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- wire rack
- baking sheet
- 3 shallow dishes
- medium bowl
Ingredients
- Canola or olive oil cooking spray
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup coarse dry breadcrumbs (preferably whole-wheat)
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce (heated)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a large wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
- Place flour in a shallow dish. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow dish. Combine parmesan and breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Toss tenders with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Coat each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in egg and let any excess drip off. Then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the tenders on the prepared rack. Generously coat the top of each tender with cooking spray.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Turn each tender over and coat with cooking spray. Continue baking until the outside is crisp and the tenders are cooked through, about 10 minutes more. Serve the tenders with a marinara sauce for dipping.
Brad says
So good! My family loved them. Definitely a dad win!
Holly says
These chicken tenders have the most delicious looking crust on them! And I love that they're baked! I had no idea about the DORI QR code - that is so helpful and I love that you can get coupons that way.
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
My kids would go crazy for these and I love that they are so quick and easy to make too! Also, I had no idea those QR codes could be so useful - can't wait to try that out!
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
Hi Erin! These chicken tenders look so good! We have actually never made chicken tenders - definitely going to try your recipe. Thank you!
Erin says
Thanks so much for stopping by, Alix! Glad the recipe inspired you to give Chicken Tenders a try! I think you'll love the recipe!