Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection for a kid-friendly dinner. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 33 minutes pairs chicken breasts, grated Parmesan cheese, plain breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut 1 lb chicken breasts into 1-inch wide strips for even cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
  3. Step 3: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in another shallow dish. In a third bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help browning.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is golden and crispy.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Oven-Baked Parmesan 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Parmesan 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 Oven-Baked Parmesan 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 Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

American kid friendly 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.

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