Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Having dinner ready every night is quite challenging in and of itself; and, having something different or adding variety just adds to the dilemma, because most of us really want to enjoy the flavors and food we are consuming rather than eating for eating's sake.

This recipe from Giada is one of those recipes that makes dinner easy--it's quick to put together, easily made right after work or a long day of studying, and without extensive time in the kitchen.  Plus, it tastes good and serves many.  Add these bits of goodness to a fresh bowl of white rice or rice pilaf.  Drizzle with lemon juice and salt & pepper for a fantastic flavor combo.  

Note: To make these crisp-ier, try NOT to line the chicken strips directly next to each other. And one more tip: The other benefit to this recipe is that you make as many as you need.

Equipment:

Large baking sheet

Foil

Large mixing bowl, for buttermilk soak

Flat plate or pyrex dish, to hold bread crumb mixture

PAM Spray

Ingredients:

Chicken Tenders, as many as you want to make and fit comfortably on baking sheet

1-2 cups of Buttermilk

3/4 -1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs

1 1/4 - 2 cups Freshly grated Parmesan (or store bought)

Salt & Pepper

3-4 Tbls of Olive Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 500F degrees.

2. Wash your hands.

3. Add tenders and buttermilk into a large bowl and marinate for 15-30 minutes.

4. Line your baking sheet with foil, spray with PAM, and drizzle 1-2 Tbls of olive oil across sheet.

5. Combine the parmesan and bread crumbs  in a pie dish or pyrex or something with edges.

6. Remove chicken tenders and dredge in the cheese-crumb mixture and line on baking sheet.

7. You may need extra crumb mixture if you make a lot of tenders.

8. Space tenders, ideally, so that they are not touching each other.

9. Drizzle the remaining 2-3 Tbls of olive oil over tenders.

10. Bake until crispy / golden brown, approx 12-15 minutes.

11. Have some rice started (see previous blog) before preparing your tenders and it will be done when the tenders are finishing up.

Great leftover in case you make a few extra or have leftovers.  Doubtful, but possible.