These crispy, parmesan coated chicken tenders are so flavorful, juicy and delicious. Pair them with a salad and a side of healthy carbohydrate and you have yourself a balanced meal.

Protein is an essential part of a healthy, fit lifestyle. Our body uses protein to rebuild muscle tissue, hair, skin and nails. Protein is an important macronutrient that I believe we don’t get enough of, especially those wanting to build muscle and burn fat. Protein has the highest thermic effect of any macronutrient (carbs, fat, protein), which means that your body burns MORE calories digesting and metabolizing protein than it does carbs or fat. Give me all the finger licking crispy chicken tenders please!

I am always looking for ways to add flavor to lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast and chicken tenders. I love to spice up lean cuts of chicken breast/tenders by marinating, grilling or coating the meat in crunchy, savory parmesan for a low carb option. I reach for this recipe on a weekly basis because it is so simple and takes 30 minutes or less of my time. Try this recipe, your family will definitely approve!

How do you make Crispy Chicken Tenders?

These crispy chicken tenders are dipped in a ranch/egg mixture and coated with seasoned parmesan. They are baked in the oven for a perfect crunch on the outside and a juicy tender inside. You can use chicken tenders or chicken breast that has been cut into chicken strips, the flavors will be the same since the chicken tenders and chicken breast are both lean cuts of chicken meat.

You will need:

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast
• Parmesan Cheese
• Eggs
• Ranch
• Seasoning-Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

How to build a healthy plate to stay lean and fit?

Start with protein. Protein is KING! All macronutrients are important (Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat) and should be consumed on a daily basis, however, the ratio in which you consume carbs, fats and proteins will make or break your goals related to fitness, fat loss.

Any time you fill your plate with food, start with at least 4 oz of protein. I highly recommend buying a food scale as a way to increase your awareness of food serving recommendations. Once you weight your protein and meat a couple times, you will have a good idea of how to build your plate to stay fit and lean in the future. To the 4 oz of protein, add at least 2 cups of non starchy vegetables which is about 2 fists. Carbohydrates are important, however, we eat more simple carbohydrates than our body requires. Keep in mind that non-starchy vegetables are carbs too. Eat 1-2 servings of starchy carbs such as potatoes, brown rice, oats, legumes a day…not at every meal. Don’t forget to include healthy fats in your diet such as olive oil, butter, avocados and more. Use healthy fats in salad dressings, sautéing and as toppings to your meals. Fat is found in many foods in combination with protein such as salmon, beef, dark chicken meat, dairy, eggs, nuts and more. Don’t shy away from fats. Healthy unprocessed fat is not the enemy; fat balances our hormones and hunger.

• 4 oz of protein or more
• 2 Cups of Vegetables (non-starchy) or more
• 1-2 Servings of Fat
• Fiber Rich Carbs 1 Serving (not at every meal)

Here is a simple dinner idea for how I incorporated these Crispy Chicken Tenders into my dinner. Two cups of salad with olive oil dressing and a side of sweet potato.