Chicken Tenders Parmesan

 Easy Chicken Tenders Parmesan made with crispy baked chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. A lighter Italian comfort food recipe perfect for quick family dinners.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Parmesan made with tender chicken strips, seasoned breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This lighter baked chicken parmesan recipe is a quick, family-friendly dinner ready in about 35 minutes with all the classic Italian flavor.

🧾 Ingredients

• 12 chicken tenders (about 1¼ lbs)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Tenders Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Season chicken tenders with salt. Set up breading stations: egg in one bowl, breadcrumbs in another.

Step 2: Bread the tenders

Dip each chicken tender in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.

Step 3: Bake the chicken

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through.

Step 4: Add sauce and cheese

Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the tenders, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Final bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, salad, or vegetables.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip flipping halfway for even crispiness
• Spray oil helps the coating turn golden
• Use good-quality marinara for richer flavor
• Serve immediately so cheese stays melty

❓ FAQ

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry the breaded tenders first, then top with sauce and cheese and melt briefly.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Bake the chicken first before adding sauce.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s a lighter baked version of chicken parmesan with high protein and less oil.