Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil) - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Indulge in the deliciousness of Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders, a healthier twist on a family favorite. These homemade tenders are baked, not fried, giving you that perfect crispy texture without the excess calories. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, they stay juicy while delivering an irresistible crunch. Ideal for family dinners, game days, or parties, they'll quickly become a cherished go-to dish. Enjoy the flavor and nutrition in every bite!

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Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup panko bread crumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean-up.

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. This will serve as the crispy coating for the chicken.

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture.

Bake the Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy your crispy baked Parmesan chicken tenders!

Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4