Crispy Low-Carb Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders: Your Go-To Easy Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate answer to pleasing the entire family with a deliciously satisfying and incredibly easy low-carb meal: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders! These chicken tenders are a quick and simple weeknight dinner solution that delivers on flavor without compromising your health goals. Forget the fuss and embrace the crispiness!
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Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
There’s a reason this recipe has become a true family favorite in our home and why it’s destined to be one of yours too! We simply adore these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders for their incredible flavor, satisfying texture, and sheer ease of preparation. This dish is a perfect example of how you can enjoy decadent, restaurant-quality food right in your own kitchen, all while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.
These chicken tenders are undeniably delicious. Even if you’re not strictly following a low-carb or keto diet, you’ll find yourself reaching for these crispy, savory bites again and again. They offer a fantastic alternative to traditional breaded chicken, providing all the crunch and flavor you crave without the extra carbohydrates. The rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a truly irresistible coating that bakes to golden perfection.
In our journey to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, finding meals that are both wholesome and exciting can sometimes be a challenge. We’re always on the lookout for recipes that help us cut back on carbs and calories without sacrificing taste, and these tenders fit the bill perfectly. While my love for baking often presents a delightful (and sometimes challenging!) cycle, recipes like this one make healthy eating an absolute joy.
If you’re as passionate about chicken as we are, you’ll also love exploring some of our other top chicken recipes. For a different take on crispy chicken, try our oven-baked chicken wings. Our crispy BBQ chicken thighs offer a smoky, tender experience, while the vibrant orange rosemary chicken kabobs are ideal for grilling. And for a quick and flavorful stir-fry, our easy chicken and broccoli stir-fry is always a hit. Each of these recipes showcases chicken in a delicious and approachable way, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly diverse and exciting!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Perfection
Crafting these delectable Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders requires just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture that makes this dish so special.
- Chicken – The star of our show! For this recipe, we specifically used tender, juicy chicken tenders. Their inherent shape and quick cooking time make them perfect for this preparation style. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even chicken thighs. If opting for chicken breasts, we highly recommend pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents any parts from drying out while others are still cooking. Chicken thighs, with their slightly higher fat content, will result in even juicier tenders, though they may require a minute or two longer to cook through.
- Seasonings – The magic of the crispy coating comes from a carefully selected blend of spices.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is the backbone of our crust. We emphasize using high-quality grated Parmesan cheese, not the powdery kind found in green shakers. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and creates a superior, golden-brown crust.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a classic, aromatic, and slightly peppery Italian herb note that pairs wonderfully with chicken and cheese.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste profile without the raw intensity of fresh garlic.
- Paprika: Contributes a subtle warmth, a hint of sweetness, and a beautiful reddish hue to the crust, making it visually appealing.
- Fresh Parsley: Minced fresh parsley brightens the flavor and adds a touch of vibrant color to the coating. It’s best when added to the seasoning mix, but can also be used as a fresh garnish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Our secret weapon for adhesion and flavor! Melted unsalted butter acts as the perfect binder, ensuring the Parmesan and spice mixture adheres beautifully to the chicken tenders. Beyond its functional role, the butter also contributes to the rich, golden-brown color and helps create that desirable crispy texture during baking. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content in the dish.
With these simple yet powerful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor and loved by everyone.
How to Make Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Making these Parmesan crusted chicken tenders is incredibly straightforward, promising a delicious, low-carb meal without the need for flour or breadcrumbs. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together and how little you’ll miss traditional breading!
First, begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust. While the oven preheats, prepare your baking setup. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes for super easy cleanup later. On top of the foil, place a cooling rack. This elevated rack is crucial as it allows air to circulate around the chicken tenders, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring a consistently crispy crust on all sides.
Next, it’s time to prepare our star coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. A crucial tip for the best adhesion and a truly perfect crust is to use a finer grate of Parmesan cheese. Avoid the pre-grated variety in the green canister, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt and firm crust. Instead, opt for freshly grated Parmesan, and if possible, use the smaller side of your cheese grater. The finer texture helps the cheese cling better to the chicken, resulting in a more uniform and crispy coating.
note
After extensive testing and making these tenders repeatedly, I’ve discovered that using a smaller grate for the Parmesan cheese significantly improves the coating. The finer the cheese, the better it adheres to the chicken, leading to a crispier and more uniform crust.
In another shallow dish, melt the unsalted butter. This butter will act as the crucial “glue” for our Parmesan crust. Once melted, carefully dip each chicken tender into the butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. The butter creates a tacky surface that will perfectly hold the cheese mixture.
Immediately after dipping in butter, roll each chicken tender in the seasoned Parmesan cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Once coated, place each tender on your prepared baking sheet with the cooling rack. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece for even cooking and air circulation.
Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your chicken tenders. To ensure they are perfectly safe and deliciously moist, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once baked, the tenders will have a delightful, savory aroma and a beautiful crispy exterior.
For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish the cooked Parmesan crusted chicken tenders with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and get ready to receive abundant praises for this absolutely delicious, healthy, and quick chicken dinner!
Delectable Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are so bursting with flavor that they truly don’t need a dipping sauce. However, if you enjoy an extra layer of taste, a warm marinara sauce on the side can be a wonderful complement. The slight tang and sweetness of the marinara perfectly cut through the richness of the Parmesan.
The beauty of these chicken tenders lies in their incredible versatility when it comes to pairing with side dishes. Whether you’re committed to a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for delicious options, there’s a perfect accompaniment for everyone. We often lean towards keeping the meal low-carb, and some of our favorite pairings include:
- Loaded Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, comforting, and low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, often topped with cheese, bacon, and chives, making it a hearty and flavorful partner.
- Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms: This simple yet elegant side offers a delightful earthy flavor and tender-crisp texture that balances the richness of the chicken. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: For those craving a creamy, cheesy side without the high carb count, this is a fantastic choice. It’s warm, satisfying, and feels like an indulgence.
- Simple Green Salad with Southern Buttermilk Dressing: A fresh, crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. The tangy buttermilk dressing adds a bright, zesty note that cleanses the palate.
If you’re not strictly adhering to a low-carb diet, these Parmesan chicken tenders are equally fantastic with more traditional carbohydrate-rich sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic comfort food. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor are a timeless match for crispy chicken.
- Pasta of Choice: A simple buttered pasta, or one tossed in a light tomato sauce, would be a wonderful complement.
- Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice provides a neutral base that soaks up any delicious juices and balances the flavors.
No matter your preference, these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are sure to be the star of your meal, making weeknight dinners easy, delicious, and adaptable to any dietary need.
Expert Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders is simple with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you elevate your dish and ensure a successful, delicious outcome every time.
- Pound Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking: If you opt to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of pre-cut tenders, it’s highly recommended to pound them out to an even thickness, typically about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin. This technique ensures that all parts of the chicken cook uniformly, preventing thinner edges from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking.
- DIY Chicken Tenders: Save money and control the size by buying whole chicken breasts and cutting your own tenders. Simply slice the breast lengthwise into strips. If you use very thin chicken cutlets, remember to significantly reduce the cooking time to prevent them from becoming tough or dry.
- Choose the Right Parmesan: The quality of your Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference. Do not use the pre-grated Parmesan found in a green shaker can. This product often contains anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting and crisping, resulting in a less flavorful and sometimes gritty crust. Instead, opt for fresh Parmesan cheese blocks and grate it yourself. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, adheres better, and delivers a superior, rich flavor.
- Fine Grate for Optimal Adhesion: As highlighted earlier, I’ve found through numerous trials that grating the Parmesan cheese on the smaller side of a box grater yields the best results. The finer the grate, the better the cheese mixture adheres to the butter-coated chicken, creating a more cohesive, even, and ultimately crispier crust.
- Always Use a Wire Rack: This is a non-negotiable step for crispy tenders. Placing the chicken on a wire rack set inside a foil-lined baking sheet is crucial. It elevates the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate completely around each piece. This prevents the tenders from sitting in their own juices, which would otherwise steam the bottom and make the coating soggy. The rack ensures maximum crispiness on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there is enough space between each chicken tender on the baking rack. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking, which will prevent the crust from becoming as crispy as desired. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
By following these tips, your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders will turn out perfectly golden, crispy, and incredibly delicious, making them a staple in your recipe rotation.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Chicken Tenders
While we absolutely adore this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe as is, its simple base makes it incredibly adaptable for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences or to simply mix things up!
- Egg Wash Alternative: For an extra layer of coating security, you can dip the chicken tenders in a beaten egg mixture before dipping them in butter and then the cheese mixture. This will create an even thicker crust, though the butter method alone provides plenty of adhesion for a perfectly crispy result.
- Flavorful Binder Swaps:
- Dijon Mustard: Brushing the chicken with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before dipping in the cheese mixture will add a delightful tangy, slightly spicy kick. This creates a more complex flavor profile that many enjoy.
- Mayonnaise: For a richer, savory undertone, try brushing the chicken with mayonnaise. It helps the coating stick well and contributes to a beautifully golden-brown finish with a subtle creamy flavor.
- Enhance with Additional Spices:
- Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder (about 1/2 teaspoon) can add another layer of savory depth to the coating, complementing the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your preferred level of spice.
- Fresh Herb Substitutions: While fresh parsley and dried oregano are fantastic, feel free to get creative with other fresh herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a combination of both would be incredibly delicious and add a different aromatic dimension to the dish. Just remember to mince them finely.
- Italian Seasoning Blend: Instead of using dried oregano alone, you can substitute it with an equal amount of good quality Italian seasoning. This blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary, offering a broader and more traditional Italian flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: For a deeper, smoky flavor, swap regular paprika for smoked paprika. This adds a wonderful, complex aroma and taste that pairs excellently with chicken and cheese.
These variations offer simple ways to customize your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders, ensuring that this easy weeknight meal remains fresh and exciting every time you prepare it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time.
To store, allow the chicken tenders to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s important to note that the coating will inevitably lose some of its original crispness after refrigeration. For reheating, the best method to regain some crispness is to place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and reheat in a 300 degree F (150 degrees C) oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.
Absolutely! Air frying is an excellent method for achieving extra crispy results. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
You can prep the chicken tenders by coating them in the Parmesan mixture a few hours in advance. Store them uncovered on the baking rack in the refrigerator. This allows the coating to dry out slightly, which can actually contribute to a crispier crust. We don’t recommend coating them much more than 4-6 hours ahead, as the moisture from the chicken can start to make the coating soggy.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Since it uses only Parmesan cheese and spices for the crust, with no flour or breadcrumbs, it’s a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet.
The key to moist chicken is not to overcook it. Using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) is crucial. Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness (if using them instead of tenders) also helps significantly in even cooking and preventing dryness.
While you can freeze cooked tenders (reheat as directed), we recommend freezing them raw for best results. Place the coated, uncooked tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, or until cooked through to 165°F.
Explore More Delicious Low-Carb Recipes
If you loved these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic low-carb recipes that are just as easy to make and equally delicious. Expanding your low-carb meal repertoire doesn’t have to be complicated, and these dishes are perfect for keeping your diet exciting and satisfying.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
The Best Keto Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
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Easy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper fresh ground
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line large rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil, place a cooling rack in the pan.
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Combine all dry ingredients in a shallow bowl and set aside.2 lbs chicken tenders, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Melt butter in another shallow bowl.1/2 cup butter
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Dip each chicken tender in butter then roll in seasoned cheese mixture and place on prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
I have found with making these you should shred the cheese on the smaller side of the cheese grater. The finer the grate is on the cheese the better it will adhere to the chicken.
Be sure to use the wire rack, it will prevent the chicken from sitting in its own juices. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy.
Storing and Reheating – Let them cool, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Be aware that the coating loses its crispness. Reheat them in a 300-degree F oven for about 15 minutes.