Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Juicy chicken tenders coated in a fragrant herb blend and baked until golden, offering a simple weeknight meal with minimal cleanup. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere evenly, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the tenders, then bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.