If you’re craving that golden, crispy texture of fried chicken without the mess and guilt of deep frying, then this Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe will quickly become your go-to. These chicken tenders bake up beautifully crunchy and flavorful, with a wonderful parmesan twist that adds a savory punch you won’t be able to resist. Perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of fried chicken with a simple, fuss-free method that anyone can master in under half an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface with four main ingredients inside. In the bottom left is a raw egg yolk surrounded by clear egg white, bright orange in color. At the top left, there is a small dollop of pale beige mayonnaise with a smooth, creamy texture. Next to it on the top right is a slightly darker beige dollop of mustard with a grainy texture. On the right side of the bowl, there is a small mound of white flour. Scattered lightly over the middle of the ingredients is some coarse black pepper. A white cloth is partially visible to the right of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one provides that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color, creating tenders that are crispy, juicy, and infused with parmesan goodness.

Panko breadcrumbs: Use 1 cup for that extra crunch that ordinary breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Olive oil spray: A light spritz helps achieve a golden and crisp finish without the extra oil.
Grated parmesan cheese: Half a cup of store-bought parmesan adds an irresistible umami kick.
Egg: Just one egg to make the batter that helps the coating stick perfectly.
Mayonnaise: A tablespoon of whole egg mayo (optional) adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Dijon mustard: One and a half tablespoons bring a gentle tang and depth of flavor.
Minced garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds a subtle but essential hint of aromatic savoriness.
Plain flour: Two tablespoons help bind the batter to the chicken for ultimate adhesion.
Salt and pepper: Season generously to enhance every bite.
Chicken tenderloins: 500 grams or about 1 pound – the star protein that stays juicy under that crunchy crust.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Breadcrumbs

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and spread 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking tray. Give them a light spray of olive oil and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a lovely light golden shade. This step is key for that unbeatable, crunchy texture later!

Step 2: Mix Parmesan and Breadcrumbs

Remove the toasted breadcrumbs from the oven, scrape them into a bowl, and stir in half a cup of grated parmesan cheese. This cheesy blend will coat your chicken with irresistible flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

Whisk together 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1½ tablespoons of dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove in a separate bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of plain flour plus salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth. This batter clings to the chicken and delivers depth of flavor you’ll love.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Then, using one hand to hold the chicken, dip it into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture with the other. Press lightly to make sure every piece gets an even coating that will bake up crunchy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken on a baking tray or a rack to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Give the pieces a light spray of olive oil for that ideal golden finish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye so they don’t dry out – tender juiciness is the goal!

How to Serve Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows two black cooling racks on a white marbled surface, each holding five pieces of golden-brown breaded chicken tenders. The tenders have a rough, crispy texture with a crunchy coating. Each piece is placed neatly in a row on the racks, showing slight variations in size and shape. The warm color of the coating contrasts with the dark racks and the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes makes these tenders feel extra special. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or even crispy oven fries for a crowd-pleasing meal. Mashed potatoes or a fresh corn salad also complement the savory parmesan coating wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond a plate? Serve your tenders in soft slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of honey mustard for a fun twist. Or offer them as a finger food with a variety of dipping sauces on the side – ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli make fantastic companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which might be wishful thinking!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the tenders tasty while maintaining their texture as much as possible.

Freezing

Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe also freezes well. Just freeze fully baked tenders in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to revive their crunch. Avoid microwaving since it can make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture that’s much closer to fried chicken. Regular breadcrumbs tend to be denser and may not crisp up as well in the oven.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

No worries! You can simply increase the panko breadcrumbs by half a cup and add a little extra salt to the batter for flavor. The tenders will still be deliciously crunchy even without parmesan.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free plain flour and gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs. Be sure to check all labels to maintain a fully gluten-free dish.

Is mayonnaise really necessary in the batter?

While optional, mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, helping the batter cling better to the chicken and creating a tender bite. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but expect a slightly different texture.

How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Don’t overbake! Stick to the recommended 15-18 minutes depending on tender size, and avoid baking longer than 20 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye for golden edges and a juicy center.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe, you’ll wonder why fried chicken ever seemed like a necessary indulgence. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and tender baked goodness that’s easy enough for any weeknight and impressive enough to share with guests. Give it a go—you are going to love the simplicity and incredible flavor in every bite!

Oven Fried Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need