Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 (about 2 tenders per person)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders
(or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
(or cheddar, or a cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color & flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or olive oil
2. Prepare the Cheese Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together:
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
SaltMix well so spices are evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Chicken
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels
Press each chicken strip firmly into the cheese mixture
Make sure all sides are well coated
Gently press the cheese onto the chicken so it sticks
4. Arrange for Baking
Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet
Leave space between each piece for even browning. Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through
- Chicken is done when:
- Cheese coating is golden and crispy
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (optional).
