Chicken Tenders Parmesan is a quick and satisfying twist on the beloved Italian-American classic. Crispy chicken tenders are baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Uses breaded chicken tenders for fast prep and cooking.
- Kid and family-friendly: Cheesy, crispy, and familiar flavors everyone loves.
- Versatile: Great on its own, over pasta, or in a sandwich.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Breaded chicken tenders (frozen or fresh)
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh basil or parsley for garnish
directions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon more marinara sauce over the top of the tenders.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese top.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle over cheese.
- Low-carb option: Use grilled chicken tenders instead of breaded.
- Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina for a richer melt.
- Air fryer option: Cook chicken tenders separately in the air fryer, then top with sauce and cheese and broil briefly.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F oven until hot, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) or cooked tenders in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
FAQs
What kind of chicken tenders should I use?
Use either frozen pre-breaded chicken tenders or homemade breaded tenders for convenience and flavor.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, homemade sauce works great and can be seasoned to your taste.
How do I keep the tenders crispy?
Avoid over-saucing and broil at the end for a crispy cheese topping.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, layer sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers before adding the cheese.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze after assembling or after cooking. Reheat in oven for best texture.
What cheeses melt best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can blend in provolone, fontina, or a touch of cheddar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breaded tenders or coat fresh chicken in gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Does it need to be covered while baking?
No, baking uncovered helps the cheese brown and the tenders stay crisp.
What sides go well with Chicken Tenders Parmesan?
Serve with pasta, garlic bread, salad, or steamed veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and ensure tenders are in a single layer.
Conclusion
Chicken Tenders Parmesan is a fast, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dinner solution that keeps prep simple without sacrificing flavor. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed solo, it’s a go-to comfort meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Chicken Tenders Parmesan
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings (2–3 tenders per person) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy breaded chicken tenders baked and topped with marinara sauce and melted parmesan–mozzarella cheese—an easy, family‑friendly twist on classic chicken Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (approx. 8-10 pieces)
- 1/2 cup all‑purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian style or panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Set up breading stations: place flour in one shallow bowl; beat eggs in a second; mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. Press crumbs to adhere.
- Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165 °F/74 °C).
- Remove from oven; spoon marinara sauce evenly over each tender, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake 3–5 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot—perfect with pasta, salad or as standalone bites.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the final 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for lighter crunch.
- Use homemade or store‑bought marinara—add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Chicken tenders can be swapped with thin chicken breast strips.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer for maintaining crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg