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To make Parmesan crusted chicken tenders, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound of chicken tenders - 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped - Olive oil spray or melted butter for drizzling You can swap ingredients based on what you have: - Use shredded mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a milder flavor. - Replace panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs if needed. - If you don’t have Dijon mustard, try yellow mustard for a different twist. - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can replace parsley for a unique taste. - Use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water if you're vegan. When picking your ingredients, keep these tips in mind: - Choose fresh, high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture. - Opt for block Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for maximum freshness. - Look for panko that is light and crispy; it gives the best crunch. - Check herbs for bright color and fresh smell; they enhance your dish. - Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it adds rich flavor and healthy fats. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup quick and easy. 3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together two large eggs. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. 4. In another shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix these ingredients. 5. Take a chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture. Let excess egg drip off. 6. Next, coat the tender with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix. Press down lightly to help it stick. 7. Place the coated chicken tenders on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. 8. For an extra crispy finish, spray the tops with olive oil or drizzle melted butter. 9. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. 10. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is at 165°F (74°C). 11. Once done, remove from the oven. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy. 12. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Using a meat thermometer is key. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. Once it hits 165°F (74°C), the chicken is safe to eat. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Imagine the golden, crispy tenders coming out of the oven. They should look crunchy and inviting. The melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs create a lovely texture. If available, check out video guides for visual steps. They can help you follow along easily. To get the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter than regular ones. Make sure to bake at a high temperature. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or drizzle melted butter before baking. This step adds flavor and helps them brown nicely. One common mistake is not drying the chicken enough. Pat your chicken tenders with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Keep the tenders in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate around them, ensuring they bake evenly. These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. If you want a side, roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes work well. The flavors of these sides balance the rich, cheesy taste of the tenders. {{image_4}} You can change the coating for more fun. Try using crushed cornflakes instead of panko. This gives a sweet crunch. Mix in some spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. You can also use different cheeses. Try cheddar or mozzarella for a tasty twist. These chicken tenders shine when served with tasty sides. Pair them with crispy fries or a fresh salad. For dips, ranch dressing or honey mustard works well. You can even try spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Serve with veggies, like carrot sticks or cucumber slices, for a balanced meal. You can cook chicken tenders in various ways. Baking is easy and healthy, but frying adds extra crunch. If you want to grill, marinate the chicken first for flavor. Grill on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. This gives you a smoky taste while keeping the chicken juicy. To keep your Parmesan crusted chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are at room temperature before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will help maintain their flavor and texture. For the best taste, reheat your chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. Check that they are heated through but not dry. If you want them extra crispy, remove the foil in the last few minutes. You can freeze your chicken tenders for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Parmesan crusted chicken tenders with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - French fries: A classic pairing, crispy and golden. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they complement the crunch. - Green salad: Fresh veggies add a nice crunch and balance. - Steamed broccoli: A healthy side that goes well with chicken. - Dipping sauces: Try ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for extra flavor. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Just cut them into strips. This way, they will cook evenly. Make sure the strips are not too thick. This helps them cook faster and stay juicy. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut a tender in half. The meat should be white, not pink. This shows it is ready to eat. In this post, we explored everything you need for perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders. We covered key ingredients and substitutions, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Remember to pick quality ingredients for better taste and avoid common mistakes. Consider different flavors and prepared sides to enhance your meal. Store any leftovers properly for future enjoyment. Follow these guidelines, and you will impress family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Get ready to impress with these delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe features crispy, cheesy chicken that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any meal.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound of chicken tenders

1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup of panko breadcrumbs (for that delightful crunch)

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil spray or melted butter for drizzling over the tenders

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the two eggs until well blended. Add in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

      In a separate shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the mixture is distributed evenly.

        Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, coat the tender with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure a good, even coating sticks to the chicken.

          Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the tops with olive oil or drizzle melted butter over them.

            Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for about 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

              After baking, remove the sheet from the oven and allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes to retain their juicy texture before serving.

                Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken tenders as a vibrant garnish that adds both color and a fresh flavor boost.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4