Get ready for a game-changing meal! These aren’t just any chicken tenders; they are unbelievably crunchy and crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders, perfectly paired with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables. Forget endless dishes and complicated steps—this is the ultimate easy, all-in-one sheet pan dinner designed to make your weeknights delicious and stress-free.

Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy One-Pan Meal

Achieving that coveted super crispy and crunchy texture in chicken tenders without resorting to deep-frying or excessive oil can feel like a culinary challenge. But what if we told you it’s not only possible but surprisingly easy? With a few simple, smart tricks, you can enjoy perfectly golden, satisfyingly crisp chicken tenders every single time, right from your oven. Get ready to elevate your home cooking with these foolproof techniques that guarantee maximum crunch!

Secrets to Exceptionally Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Forget soggy oven-baked chicken! The key to truly crispy tenders lies in understanding a few fundamental principles. These tricks work synergistically to create a breading that rivals any fried version, all while keeping your meal lighter and healthier.

1. Embrace Panko Breadcrumbs: This is arguably the most critical step for achieving superior crispiness. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Panko is made from crustless white bread that’s coarsely ground into airy, flaky shards. These larger flakes create more surface area and absorb less oil, resulting in an incredibly light, airy, and extra-crunchy coating that stays crisp even after baking. Seek them out in the baking or Asian food aisle of your grocery store.
2. Bake on a Wire Rack: Placing your breaded chicken tenders on a wire rack set inside a sheet pan is a non-negotiable step for all-around crispiness. This ingenious method allows hot air to circulate freely around all sides of the chicken. Without a rack, the bottom of the tenders would sit directly on the hot sheet pan, steaming rather than crisping, leading to a soft or soggy underside. The wire rack ensures even cooking and a uniformly crispy exterior.
3. Generously Spray with Cooking Spray: A quick, even spray of cooking oil before baking works wonders. Not only does it help prevent the breading from sticking to the wire rack, but it also promotes beautiful golden-brown coloring and an even crunch. The fine mist of oil helps to activate the crisping process of the Panko, giving your tenders that irresistible fried look and texture without the added fat.

And why stop at just the chicken? Elevate your dinner into a complete, balanced meal by baking your favorite vegetables alongside the crispy chicken. This “one pan, one bake” approach means your main dish and delicious sides are ready simultaneously, minimizing effort and maximizing flavor!

Simplified Steps: How to Make Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Preparing this wholesome and delicious sheet pan dinner is straightforward and efficient. Follow these easy steps to bring crispy chicken tenders and flavorful roasted vegetables to your table in under an hour.

1. Craft Your Signature Seasoning Blend: Begin by combining all the dry spices in a small bowl. This versatile mix will be used to flavor both your roasted vegetables and the chicken, ensuring a cohesive and delicious taste throughout the meal. Remember to set aside a portion for later use with the chicken.
2. Prepare and Roast the Vegetables: Wash and chop your chosen vegetables—broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, and green beans work wonderfully. Toss them directly on your sheet pan with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a tablespoon of your prepared seasoning blend. Ensure they are spread in a single layer to roast evenly and achieve a slight char, then pre-roast them briefly to give them a head start.
3. Prep the Chicken Tenders: While the vegetables are roasting, turn your attention to the chicken. Pat the tenderloins thoroughly dry, trim any excess fat, and remove tendons. Set up your breading station with the batter in one shallow bowl and the Panko-Parmesan mix in another. Coat each tender first in the wet batter, then dredge it fully in the crispy breading.
4. Combine and Bake: Once the initial vegetable roasting is complete, push the tender vegetables to one side of the sheet pan, creating space for your wire rack. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders on the greased wire rack, then position the rack on the sheet pan alongside the vegetables. Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Flip, Stir, and Finish Baking: After the initial bake, carefully flip the chicken tenders to ensure even browning on both sides. Give the vegetables a good stir to promote uniform cooking. Return the sheet pan to the oven for another 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are perfectly tender-crisp.
6. Serve and Savor: Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Toss the cooked vegetables with the remaining Parmesan cheese and any breading bits that may have fallen from the chicken. Arrange the crispy chicken tenders and savory roasted vegetables on plates. Enjoy this complete, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying one-pan dinner!

The Versatile Seasoning Blend: Flavor for Every Bite

One of the beauties of this recipe is its streamlined approach to flavor. We utilize one simple, yet incredibly potent seasoning mix that pulls double duty, expertly seasoning both the vibrant roasted vegetables and the succulent chicken tenders. This consistency in flavor ensures every component of your meal harmonizes beautifully.

Our go-to blend is a delightful combination of classic pantry staples: fragrant garlic powder, aromatic onion powder, a hint of salt and pepper, vibrant paprika, earthy dried oregano, and fresh dried parsley. This mix creates a robust, savory profile that complements both chicken and a wide array of vegetables.

When it comes to seasoning, a crucial tip is to start with a conservative amount of salt. Parmesan cheese, a star ingredient in our breading, is naturally quite salty. This intentional approach prevents over-salting and allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference at the end. If, after tasting, you find the flavors a little subdued, a small pinch of extra salt can easily awaken the dish to its full potential.

Perfecting Your Poultry: Let’s Talk Chicken Tenders

For this recipe, you have a couple of excellent options: using pre-packaged chicken tenders or transforming boneless, skinless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. If opting for chicken breasts, the goal is to achieve pieces of a similar size and thickness to commercial tenders—typically about 1 to 1¼ inches wide. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture across the board. Simply remove any excess fat, pound the chicken breasts lightly to an even thickness (if needed), and then slice them into strips.

A common culinary hurdle with chicken tenders is the pesky tendon. These can be tough and unpleasant to eat. Luckily, removing them is easier than you think! With a small, sharp knife, you can quickly snip them out. If you’re new to this, there are fantastic visual guides available online. Check out this incredibly easy chicken tendon removal hack on YouTube to see just how simple it can be!

Beyond tendon removal, the most critical step in preparing your chicken for breading is to thoroughly pat it dry with a paper towel. This seemingly minor detail makes a monumental difference! Dry chicken allows the batter and breading to adhere much better, creating a more uniform coating and, ultimately, a crispier, more evenly cooked final product bursting with flavor.

Crafting the Irresistible Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders Breading

The magic of these baked chicken tenders lies significantly in their perfectly constructed breading. Once your chicken is prepped and ready, the process involves a simple dip, coat, and bake. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each component and its crucial role:

The Flavor-Packed Batter

This wet layer isn’t just for adhesion; it’s a critical flavor enhancer and moisture lock for your chicken. Each ingredient plays a specific part:

• Egg and Mayo: The egg acts as a binder, helping the breading stick securely. Mayonnaise, with its rich and creamy texture, adds a delightful boost of moisture and flavor to the chicken, preventing it from drying out in the oven. It also contributes a subtle tanginess that complements the other ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: This potent mustard is more than just a condiment here. It imparts a deep, complex, and slightly tangy flavor that elevates the entire profile of the chicken. Dijon’s emulsifying properties also aid in creating a smooth, even batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour is essential for creating a smooth, cohesive batter. It helps to thicken the wet mixture, ensuring that the breading has a solid base to cling to, promoting an even and consistent coating.
• Reserved Spices: Incorporating a portion of our versatile seasoning mix directly into the batter guarantees that every inch of the chicken, not just the exterior breading, is infused with delicious flavor. This ensures a consistent taste from the first bite to the last.

The Ultimate Crispy Breading

This dry coating is where the texture truly shines, delivering that satisfying crunch you crave:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: As discussed, Panko is the undisputed champion for crispiness. Its unique, light, and airy texture forms a delicate, crunchy crust that becomes wonderfully golden in the oven. It provides a crispness that traditional breadcrumbs simply can’t match, making your baked tenders feel indulgent without being fried.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient is key for both flavor and an extra layer of texture. Always opt for Parmesan grated fresh from a block. The superior quality and richer, nuttier flavor of fresh Parmesan are unparalleled. Avoid pre-grated or jarred varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents, can be excessively salty, and lack the melt-in-your-mouth quality of fresh cheese, hindering the overall taste and crispiness.

Dipping Sauce Pairings for Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

No plate of crispy chicken tenders is truly complete without a fantastic dipping sauce! A great sauce can elevate the flavors, add a touch of creamy indulgence, or provide a zesty counterpoint to the savory chicken. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or savory, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone. While a simple dollop of ketchup or marinara sauce remains a timeless favorite for many (especially the kids!), why not explore some homemade options that are sure to impress?

For those looking to expand their sauce repertoire, the recipe notes include instructions for two delightful homemade sauces: a classic honey mustard and a versatile, all-purpose dipping sauce, reminiscent of a beloved “fry sauce.” These homemade options are easy to whip up and offer a fresh, customizable alternative to store-bought varieties, ensuring every bite of your crispy tenders is a memorable one.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Sheet Pan Success

Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfect results with your sheet pan dinner. These specific tools are recommended for their ability to streamline the cooking process and ensure optimal texture and flavor for your Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders and roasted vegetables:

• Large 15×21 Inch Sheet Pan: The size of your sheet pan is more important than you might think. A generous surface area, like that offered by a 15×21 inch pan, is crucial for proper roasting. When vegetables are crowded, they release moisture and steam rather than roast, leading to soft, soggy results instead of tender-crisp. More space means better caramelization and superior texture for both your chicken and veggies.
• Sturdy Metal Spatula: A reliable metal spatula is your best friend when working with sheet pan dinners. Its thin, strong edge allows you to easily get underneath the chicken tenders to flip them without damaging the breading. It’s also perfect for tossing and turning the vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly and preventing sticking. This simple tool makes maneuvering food on a hot pan quick and effortless.
• Oven-Safe Cooling Rack: As highlighted in our crispiness tips, an oven-safe cooling rack that fits snugly inside your sheet pan is indispensable. Baking the chicken on this elevated surface allows hot air to circulate completely around each tender, creating that desired all-around crispy crust. Without it, the bottom of your chicken would steam, resulting in a less-than-perfect texture. This rack is a game-changer for achieving truly crispy baked chicken.

Explore More Easy One-Pan Recipes

Love the convenience and deliciousness of a one-pan meal? We’ve got you covered! Discover more of our favorite recipes that minimize cleanup and maximize flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a simple yet satisfying meal:

• One Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies: A healthy and flavorful combination featuring savory turkey sausage and a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables, all on a single sheet pan.
• One Pan Jambalaya: Experience the rich, spicy flavors of jambalaya, made incredibly easy—even the rice cooks to perfection on the sheet pan!
• One Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: All the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, transformed into a hearty and convenient pasta dish, cooked entirely in one pot.
• Mini Meatloaf Dinner: Individual mini meatloaves served with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, all beautifully roasted together on one pan for a complete meal.
• One Pan Garlic Herb Shrimp and Sausage: A quick and vibrant meal featuring succulent shrimp and flavorful sausage, tossed in a fragrant garlic-herb seasoning blend and roasted together.

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5 from 4 votes

Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

By Chelsea Lords

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders paired with tender roasted vegetables make for a tasty, nutritious one-pan dinner! Simple, delicious, and totally satisfying for the whole family.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

US | Metric

Spices (for both Veggies & Chicken)

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper

Veggies

• 1 heaping cup broccoli (about 1 head)
• 1 cup red potato (1 to 2 potatoes), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 heaping cup bell peppers (1 large pepper or 6 mini peppers), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Chicken and Breading

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, see Note 1)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (see Note 2)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce (optional, see Note 3)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasoning spices (oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, pepper). Set aside 1 tablespoon of this mixture. Grab a large 15×21-inch sheet pan (or use two smaller pans if needed) and an oven-safe wire cooling rack.
2. Prepare your vegetables: Chop broccoli into florets, potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, and bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Trim the ends of your green beans and mince the garlic.
3. On the sheet pan, toss all the cut vegetables with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the reserved 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix. Spread them out evenly in a single layer to ensure they roast, not steam. Roast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then remove the pan.
4. While the veggies pre-roast, prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins thoroughly dry with paper towels, trim any fat, and remove tendons (use this easy hack if needed). In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and 2/3 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining seasoning spices, mayo, flour, egg, and Dijon mustard to create your wet batter. Dip each chicken tender into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the Panko-Parmesan breading mixture (tongs work great for this!).
5. Generously spray the wire cooling rack with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders on top of the greased rack, ensuring they have space between them. Gently press any leftover breading onto the chicken if desired, and then give the tenders another good spray of cooking oil. On the sheet pan, push the partially roasted vegetables to one half of the pan or to the edges to make room for the wire rack with the chicken. Carefully place the wire rack onto the sheet pan. Bake in the center of the oven for 8-10 minutes.
6. After 8-10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken tenders to expose the underside. Spray the newly exposed side generously with cooking spray. Stir the vegetables to promote even cooking. Return the sheet pan to the oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Adjust baking time as needed. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
7. Once baked, carefully remove the chicken and add the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese to the roasted vegetables on the sheet pan. Toss the veggies with the cheese and any crispy Panko bits that may have fallen from the chicken. Serve the crispy chicken tenders alongside the delicious Parmesan-tossed roasted vegetables, with optional dipping sauces (see Note 3). Enjoy your complete, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Chicken Preparation): If using chicken breasts instead of tenderloins, ensure to remove any excess fat. Pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to promote even cooking, then slice them into strips approximately 1 to 1 1/4 inches wide, mimicking the size of tenderloins.

Note 2 (Panko Breadcrumbs): Panko breadcrumbs are distinctly different from regular breadcrumbs. Their larger, flakier texture results in a much crunchier coating when baked. You can typically find Panko in the baking aisle, near other breadcrumbs, flour, or sometimes in the international/Asian food section of your grocery store.

Note 3 (Dipping Sauce Options): For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving these tenders with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are two of our favorites:

Homemade All-Purpose Chicken Dipping Sauce: Whisk the following ingredients in a small bowl until completely smooth:

• 1/2 cup (100g) Best Foods/Hellman’s Regular Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (65g) ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard: Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and creamy:

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Best Foods/Hellman’s Regular Mayonnaise
• 1-1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon honey BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is a great choice)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Note 4 (Veggies More Tender): If you prefer your roasted vegetables to be softer and more tender, simply remove the wire cooling rack with the chicken once it’s cooked. Return the sheet pan with only the vegetables to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness.

Nutrition Note: The calorie count provided does not include any optional dipping sauces you might choose to serve with the chicken tenders.

Storage: These chicken tenders are best enjoyed immediately after baking to experience their maximum crispiness. If you are prepping ahead, combine the dry Panko-Parmesan mixture and prepare the wet batter, but only dredge the chicken right before you are ready to bake to ensure the crispiest possible result.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
|
Calories: 565kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 37.6g
|
Protein: 41.6g
|
Fat: 27.1g
|
Cholesterol: 146.5mg
|
Sodium: 766.5mg
|
Fiber: 4.9g
|
Sugar: 6.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.