Crispy Baked Italian Chicken Tenders

This crispy golden Italian Chicken Tenders is made with parmesan cheese and tender chicken breast, ready in 30 minutes. The seasoned crust shatters perfectly when you bite into the steaming hot center. I have started making these weekly for my family.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to order chicken strips every time we ate out. Then I realized how much better they taste fresh from the oven.

My biggest mistake was skipping the parmesan in the breading early on. Adding that sharp cheese completely transformed the crust.

Italian Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How To Make Italian Chicken Tenders

1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Set up stations: Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, dip into the egg, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Bake the tenders: Arrange the chicken on your prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Finish cooking: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to 165°F internally.

Recipe Tips

• Press firmly: Pushing the chicken into the breadcrumbs ensures a thick, even crust that will not fall off.
• Use a wire rack: Baking these on a wire rack set over your baking sheet helps the bottom stay just as crispy as the top.
• Check the temp: Always use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken exactly at 165°F so it stays juicy.

What To Serve With Italian Chicken Tenders

These pair wonderfully with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Add a fresh Caesar salad or roasted garlic potato wedges to complete the meal.

How To Store

Keep leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them flat on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to two months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thick strips before breading.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook them at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why did my breading fall off?

The breading falls off if the chicken is too wet before the flour stage, so always pat the meat dry first.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Protein: 30g

Italian Chicken Tenders

Recipe by Paula

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Crispy golden Italian Chicken Tenders are wrapped in savory parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, ready in 30 minutes. Serving up a hot and juicy center, this quick baked dinner easily solves busy weeknight meal planning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

• Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Set up stations: Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
• Coat the chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, dip into the egg, and press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
• Bake the tenders: Arrange the chicken on your prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
• Finish cooking: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to 165°F internally.