These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips are baked to golden perfection! Coated in Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and flavorful herbs, they’re crunchy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
You know those recipes that just always deliver? The ones that make you feel like a kitchen pro, even when you’re just throwing things together on a random Tuesday night? That’s exactly what these Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips are for me.
I started making these years ago when I got tired of the frozen store-bought versions that never quite hit the spot. Either they were soggy, lacking in flavor, or had a weird aftertaste. So, one day, I decided to take matters into my own hands—because, honestly, how hard could it be? Turns out, not hard at all.
These chicken strips are crispy, flavorful, and totally foolproof. The Parmesan gives them that perfect cheesy bite, while the seasoning blend makes them taste like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. And the best part? They bake up beautifully in the oven, meaning no deep-frying and no greasy mess.
So, if you’re craving something crunchy, cheesy, and downright satisfying—this recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe?
- Ridiculously Easy: No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just simple, delicious food.
- Baked, Not Fried: Less mess, less oil, but all the crispiness.
- Packed with Flavor: Parmesan, garlic, thyme, basil, paprika—this isn’t your average chicken strip.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
- Great for Dipping: Whether you’re a ranch person, a BBQ sauce lover, or all about that marinara life, these are made for dunking.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient here serves a purpose, so let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into strips. If they’re thick, you might want to pound them a bit thinner for more even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds that nutty, salty, irresistible crispiness. Don’t skip it!
- Breadcrumbs: You can use regular or panko, but I personally love panko for that extra crunch.
- Egg & Milk: This helps the breading stick like a dream.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, paprika, and black pepper gives these strips so much flavor.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Just a light spritz before baking makes these even crispier.
Pro Tip: If you want restaurant-level crunch, try toasting your breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before coating the chicken. It makes a world of difference.
How To Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips?
This recipe is seriously easy, but I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your chicken strips turn out perfectly.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick spray to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, whisk together the milk and egg.
- In the second dish, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and all the seasonings.
- The third dish is just for your prepared chicken strips.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
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Take a chicken strip and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to really pack on that coating.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
Arrange the breaded chicken strips on your baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let them cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait!). Then, serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Want to meal prep? Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken strips for up to 3 months. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheating: The best way to keep them crispy? Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are a few easy swaps:
- Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
What to Serve with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips?
These are so good on their own, but they also pair perfectly with:
- Marinara Sauce: Basically turns them into cheesy chicken parm bites.
- Garlic Bread: Because garlic bread makes everything better.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances out the richness.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, cozy meal.
- Pasta: Serve them over buttered noodles or pesto pasta for a restaurant-worthy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?
Yep! Chicken tenders work just as well, and they cook in about the same time.
How do I get them even crispier?
Try spraying them lightly with cooking spray before baking—it helps them crisp up even more.
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you love crispy, cheesy, herb-seasoned chicken, this recipe is for you. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for dinner, game night, or even meal prep.
So, are you a dipper, a sandwich-maker, or do you eat them straight off the pan? Let me know in the comments!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 8 to 10 strips
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg beaten
For the Breading
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- In the first dish, whisk together the milk and beaten egg.
- In the second dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and all seasonings. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- The third dish is for placing the coated chicken before baking.
Coat the Chicken
- One at a time, dip each chicken strip into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to adhere the coating evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess.
Arrange and Bake
- Place the breaded chicken strips onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the chicken strips from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with a dipping sauce of your choice, or serve with a side salad or vegetables.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!