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High Protein Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
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High Protein Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Usually, you have to pick two. But every once in a while, a recipe comes along that hits the trifecta. Enter these Crispy ParmesanCrusted Chicken Tenders.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time29 minutes
Course: Snack
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • The Protein:
  • 1 lb Raw Chicken Tenders trimmed
  • 1 Large Egg beaten
  • The Parmesan Crust:
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil for drizzling
  • The Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Pre-Heat & Prep
  • Oven Temp: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire cooling rack for maximum air circulation.
  • The Mix: In a shallow dish, whisk together the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until uniform.
  • The Breadings Station
  • Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to pat each chicken tender thoroughly dry.
  • Dip: Submerge a tender into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Press: Place the tender into the Parmesan mix. Use the palm of your hand to press the coating firmly into both sides of the meat.
  • The Golden Bake
  • Arrange: Place tenders on the prepared tray. Ensure they are not touching so they crisp instead of steam.
  • Drizzle: Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the top of the breaded chicken.
  • Bake: Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.
  • Finish: Optional: Broil for the final 60 seconds for a deep mahogany crunch.
  • Resting Phase
  • Rest: Let the tenders sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the protein to retain its juices and the cheese crust to firm up.