Ultimate Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan Recipe: The Perfect Family Dinner

Get ready to create restaurant-quality Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan right in your own kitchen! This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken tenders coated in a golden Parmesan crust, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on the classic favorite. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or entertaining guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also incorporates clean eating principles.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Bell peppers and zucchini (optional for veggie side)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano in the third.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Working with one tender at a time, dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken tender and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with your choice of vegetables or pasta. For the veggie side, roast sliced bell peppers and zucchini alongside the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture
• For extra spicy kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to breading mixture
• To serve 10 people: double the recipe and use two baking sheets
• For clean eating version: use whole wheat breadcrumbs and organic ingredients
• Make-ahead tip: bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take longer to cook through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before baking on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Ultimate Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This recipe creates restaurant-quality Parmesan crusted chicken parmesan with perfectly crispy chicken tenders coated in a golden Parmesan crust, baked for a healthier twist. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it incorporates clean eating principles and can be customized with vegetable sides.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Bell peppers and zucchini (optional for veggie side)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano in the third.
2. Working with one tender at a time, dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
4. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken tender and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with your choice of vegetables or pasta. For the veggie side, roast sliced bell peppers and zucchini alongside the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture. For extra spicy kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to breading mixture. To serve 10 people: double the recipe and use two baking sheets. For clean eating version: use whole wheat breadcrumbs and organic ingredients. Make-ahead tip: bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking.