Introduction
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor — these Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they combine juicy chicken strips with a golden Parmesan crust for the ultimate crunch. Whether served with fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauces, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
What makes these chicken tenders extra special is the combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, creating that signature crispy coating. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and absolutely addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Breading Station
- Place flour in a shallow dish.
- In a second dish, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, coating completely.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan.
Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Tips for Perfect Crispiness
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Toast Breadcrumbs First: For an extra-golden crust, toast the panko with a drizzle of oil in a skillet before breading.
- Press the Coating: Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
- Even Cooking: Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Baking & Air Fryer Options
- To Bake:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - To Air Fry:
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Both methods deliver the same great crunch — with less oil!
Variations
- 🔥 Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or extra paprika to the coating.
- 🌿 Herb-Infused: Mix in Italian seasoning, parsley, or thyme for aromatic depth.
- 🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic powder or add a pinch of onion powder for bolder flavor.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: Substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- 🧀 Dairy-Free: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Serving Ideas
These chicken tenders are incredibly versatile! Try serving them with:
- Classic fries or sweet potato wedges
- Coleslaw or mixed greens salad
- Dipping sauces — honey mustard, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or marinara
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Air Fryer Reheat: 3–4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) works perfectly.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
Conclusion
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food — juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and bursting with flavor.
They’re quick to prepare, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these tenders deliver restaurant-quality crispiness right from your kitchen.
Serve them as a snack, party appetizer, or main meal — and watch them disappear within minutes. 🧀🍗✨
