Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a dish that combines crispy texture with savory, aromatic flavors, these Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders are for you. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe elevates a classic favorite with fresh herbs and a delightful crunch.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are the star of this recipe, offering a lean and tender base that's easy to work with. Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crunchy coating. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth to the crust. A bit of all-purpose flour helps the coating stick to the chicken. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavor profile. Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary bring a vibrant, aromatic dimension. Eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken, and olive oil ensures a golden, crispy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Chop the herbs finely to ensure they adhere well to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a party, serve them with an assortment of dips like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli. They also make a great addition to a wrap or sandwich, adding flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, simply slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.

Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.

In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Stir it all together until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Set up your breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another. This way, you can easily move the chicken tenders from one step to the next.

Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tenders; this helps the crust become golden and crispy as it bakes.

Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You'll know they're done when the chicken is cooked through, and the crust is a beautiful golden brown. Serve them warm with a tangy mustard dip for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The fresh herbs add a burst of aroma and flavor that's hard to resist.
  • Healthier than fried tenders while still offering a satisfying crunch.
  • Kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 large eggs
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish.
4. In another dish, beat the eggs.
5. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
9. Serve warm with a tangy mustard dip.

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