Description
A quick and easy oven-baked Italian chicken tenders recipe with a crispy coating, juicy inside, and packed with classic Italian seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights with just five simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in one shallow bowl.
- Step: In a second shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Step: Season chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step: Dip each tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Step: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. If available, place a wire rack on the sheet and arrange tenders on top without touching. Otherwise, lay tenders directly on the lined sheet.
- Step: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step: Optional: Broil for last 1-2 minutes for extra crispness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step: Serve immediately with favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Pat chicken dry before coating to help the crust stick. Double-dip for a thicker crust. Use a wire rack to keep coating crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. Can be made gluten-free by swapping panko and Parmesan accordingly. Air fryer method: 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Italian chicken tenders, oven-baked chicken, crispy chicken tenders, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, kid-friendly chicken, quick chicken recipe