Description
Golden, crunchy, and impossibly cheesy, this dish combines tender chicken strips with a crisp Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, warm marinara, and gooey mozzarella, making it a comforting and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Bell peppers and zucchini (optional for veggie side)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in eggs, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then return to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
For variations, consider adding crushed red pepper for spice, or use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American