Delicious Chicken Tenders Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Tenders Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic chicken Parmesan, featuring crispy, golden chicken tenders topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy and delicious dish is perfect for family dinners or as a comforting weeknight meal. Serve it with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, coating it evenly. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the tenders in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each tender and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare and bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. This makes for a quicker assembly when you’re ready to bake them.
- Sauce Options: Feel free to use a store-bought marinara or your favorite homemade sauce. For a twist, try using a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
- Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Keywords: Chicken Tenders Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken, Italian Chicken Dish, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Family Meal