Tired of the same old chicken recipes? Want something the kids (and, let’s be honest, your partner) will actually devour? These Parmesan Baked Chicken Strips are your answer! Coated in a flavorful, garlicky, cheesy crust and baked to golden perfection, they’re crispy on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside. Say goodbye to weeknight dinner dilemmas because these oven-baked chicken tenders are easy, delicious, and a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, they’re way healthier than takeout! So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why These Oven-Baked Chicken Strips Are a Game-Changer

Let’s face it, finding a recipe that’s both kid-approved and adult-worthy can feel like searching for a unicorn. But these Parmesan chicken strips are here to make your life easier (and tastier!).

• Flavor Explosion: Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, cheesy breading that’s bursting with savory garlic and Parmesan goodness. These aren’t your average bland chicken strips.
• Speedy Prep: We all know time is precious, especially during the week. This recipe is quick and easy, meaning you can get dinner on the table in under an hour – even with little helpers (or distractions!) in the kitchen.
• Total Versatility: Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, or cut them up and toss them in a salad. They also make an amazing appetizer with hearty homemade marinara (highly recommended!) or any other dipping sauce your heart desires.

I’m a huge fan of using chicken tenders because they cook incredibly fast and stay wonderfully moist. Plus, the smaller size is perfect for little hands (and big appetites!).

Ingredient Checklist for Parmesan Chicken Perfection

The secret to these incredible chicken strips? A simple combination of ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips) – Because nobody wants a chewy chicken surprise!
• Panko Bread Crumbs: 1 1/4 cups Panko bread crumbs – For that extra-crispy, light-as-air crunch that sets these apart.
• Parmesan Cheese: 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always best for maximum cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and a touch of herbaceousness.
• Salt: 3/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick.
• Melted Butter: 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon melted butter – The key to helping the breading stick and adding that irresistible buttery richness.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and balances the savory notes. Trust me, don’t skip this!
• Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garli

Step-by-Step: Baking Your Way to Chicken Strip Glory

This recipe is so easy, even your kids can help (though maybe supervise the oven part!). Let’s get started!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Pro Tip: A little cooking spray on the parchment paper never hurts!
2. Breadcrumb Bliss: In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This is your flavor bomb!
3. Buttery Goodness: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. The aroma alone is worth it!
4. Chicken Dunk: Dip each chicken strip into the butter mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere and adds a lovely richness.
5. Breadcrumb Bath: Transfer the butter-soaked chicken strip to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently but firmly to coat both sides completely. Make sure those breadcrumbs are really sticking!
6. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Important: Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.

Pro Tips for the Best Breaded Chicken Strips Ever

Want to take your Parmesan chicken strips to the next level? Here are a few tricks to ensure chicken strip success:

• Crispy Coating Secrets: For an extra-crispy coating, try baking the chicken strips on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even crisping. You can also broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning!
• Tendon Removal: Sometimes chicken tenders have a tendon that can be a bit chewy. Feel free to remove it before breading for a more enjoyable eating experience.
• Dipping Sauce Delights: The possibilities are endless! Serve your Parmesan chicken tenders with homemade marinara sauce (my personal favorite!), ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or any other dip that strikes your fancy. Let your creativity shine!
• Beyond Finger Food: While these are amazing as a finger food, don’t be afraid to get creative! Serve them on top of pasta or rice with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing: Making Life Easier

Leftovers? What leftovers? Just kidding! Here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze your Parmesan chicken strips:

• Storing: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken strips in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy. Microwaving will make the breading soggy, so avoid that if possible!
• Freezing: To freeze cooked chicken strips, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight and bake to reheat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can also prepare these chicken strips ahead of time by breading them and freezing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a plastic freezer bag and keep in the freezer until you’re ready to bake. They’ll need a few extra minutes of cooking time when baking from frozen. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do you keep breading from falling off chicken strips?
  The key is to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before starting the breading process. Extra moisture prevents the breading from sticking properly. Also, be sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.
• Is there a difference between chicken breast strips and chicken tenders?
  While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference. A chicken breast strip is cut from the breast, while a chicken tender is a separate muscle located underneath the breast. Chicken tenders are generally more tender (hence the name!).