Easy Paprika Parmesan Chicken Baked or Air Fried

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal solution: Low-Carb Paprika Parmesan Chicken Tenders. This recipe delivers incredibly cheesy, flavorful chicken with a delightful kick, ensuring it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Forget the fuss and mess often associated with breading chicken; our innovative technique streamlines the process, allowing you to prepare these crispy tenders in mere minutes. What’s more, they are perfectly suitable for meal prepping, as you can freeze them before cooking and easily bake or air fry them straight from frozen. This makes them an ideal choice for busy households seeking healthy, delicious, and convenient dinner options, aligning perfectly with our philosophy for healthy chicken tender recipes.

This crowd-pleasing dish, a standout at our Make-Ahead Meal Store, boasts a light and flavorful breading that is naturally low-carb and easily adaptable to be gluten-free. While we typically opt for smaller cuts of chicken like tenders or nuggets to maximize the surface area for that irresistible coating, this versatile recipe also performs beautifully with chicken breasts, offering flexibility to suit your preferences. It shares a delightful flavor profile with our beloved Parmesan Cauliflower Bites, which also features the warm, vibrant notes of paprika. This breading combination has truly captured our hearts, and we suspect you’ll be seeing more of it around here. If paprika isn’t quite to your taste, you might also enjoy our classic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets for a equally delicious alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Paprika Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why this Paprika Parmesan Chicken will quickly become a family favorite:

Kid-Friendly Flavor: The combination of savory Parmesan and sweet paprika creates a mild yet engaging flavor that even the pickiest eaters adore. No more battling over dinner!
Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Friendly: With simple flour substitutions like almond flour, this recipe easily fits into low-carb and gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
Effortless Preparation: Our signature “no-mess” breading technique means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the classic bake of an oven or the quick crisp of an air fryer, this recipe adapts seamlessly to both, giving you flexibility based on your kitchen tools and time constraints.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze it raw, then cook directly from frozen for ultimate convenience on busy evenings.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh chicken and simple spices, you know exactly what’s going into your family’s meal.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken tenders are often an economical choice, and this recipe elevates them into a gourmet-tasting dish without the gourmet price tag.

Essential Breading Ingredients for Perfect Paprika Parmesan Chicken

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet profoundly flavorful breading. To create this irresistible coating, you’ll combine finely grated Parmesan cheese, your chosen paprika, salt, pepper, and flour. The key to our “no-mess” trick, which we’ll detail shortly, is to mix these ingredients in a large bowl or an oblong container equipped with a secure lid. This generous container size is crucial for achieving an even coating with minimal effort.

Choosing Your Flour

The type of flour you select can subtly influence the texture and nutritional profile of your chicken, allowing for dietary customization:

Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or White Whole Wheat Flour: For those not strictly adhering to a low-carb diet, these are excellent, readily available options. Since only a small amount is required to help the breading adhere, the carbohydrate impact is minimal, making them suitable for most healthy eating plans.
Almond Flour or Meal: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free or even lower-carb version, almond flour is your go-to. We often lean towards a coarser almond meal, which includes some of the almond skin. This provides a slightly heartier texture and a richer flavor that beautifully complements the paprika, ensuring the primary spice notes still shine through brilliantly. Be aware that finely ground almond flour can sometimes absorb more moisture, so adjust liquid if necessary, though it’s usually not an issue with this recipe.
Other Gluten-Free Options: For those with nut allergies, a combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can also work effectively. Always check the ingredients of your gluten-free flour blend to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Selecting the Right Paprika

Paprika, derived from finely ground peppers, comes in a delightful array of flavors. You’ll commonly encounter three main types at your local grocery store, each offering a distinct experience:

Sweet Paprika (Pimentón Dulce): This is perhaps the most common variety, offering a mild, fruity flavor without any heat. It’s an excellent all-rounder and our recommended choice if you don’t have a specific preference or are cooking for children. It imparts a beautiful red color and a subtle warmth to the chicken.
Smoked Paprika (Pimentón Ahumado): Available in sweet, semi-sweet, or hot varieties, smoked paprika is made from peppers that have been dried over an oak-burning fire, giving it a wonderfully smoky aroma and flavor. This adds a depth that can mimic outdoor grilling, perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your dish.
Hot Paprika (Pimentón Picante): For those who appreciate a bit of heat, hot paprika introduces a fiery kick, similar to chili powder but with its own unique flavor profile. Use it cautiously to taste, especially when serving to children.

Each type brings its own character to the dish. Experimentation is encouraged to discover your personal favorite! For an in-depth exploration of the nuances between these varieties, a great resource is this article by Bon Appetit.

The Parmesan Cheese Factor

Parmesan cheese is the cornerstone of this recipe’s savory, cheesy crust. While there are numerous options available, the quality of your Parmesan can significantly impact the final flavor and crispiness. The absolute best result comes from finely grating a fresh block of high-quality Parmesan cheese yourself. This ensures maximum flavor and avoids any anti-caking agents often found in pre-grated varieties. However, if convenience is key, many excellent pre-grated Parmesan products are available that contain no fillers, offering a great alternative without compromising too much on taste or texture. Look for those labeled “100% Parmesan” for the best quality.

The Easy Way to Bread Chicken Tenders (Our No-Mess Trick!)

Say goodbye to flour-dusted countertops and sticky fingers. Our tried-and-true breading method simplifies the process, ensuring perfectly coated chicken every time with minimal cleanup. We swear by this technique for everything from our Healthy Chicken Tenders to Broiled Scallops with a Parmesan Crust, and it works wonderfully for any smaller ingredients needing a delicious crust. Here’s how to master it:

Prepare the Egg Wash: Crack a large egg into a generously sized bowl and whisk it thoroughly until well beaten. Add all your chicken pieces (tenders, nuggets, or small breast pieces) to this bowl, mixing until each piece is fully coated with the egg wash. Set this aside briefly.
Combine Breading Ingredients: In a *separate* large bowl or, ideally, an oblong container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour. Ensure the container is large enough to comfortably hold the chicken pieces without overcrowding. Seal the lid and give it a good shake to thoroughly mix all the breading ingredients.
Transfer Chicken to Breading: Using tongs, lift the egg-coated chicken pieces from the egg bowl. Allow any excess egg to drip off for a few seconds before transferring them directly into the bowl containing the breading mixture.
Shake to Coat: Once all the chicken has been transferred into the breading container, secure the lid tightly. Gently but vigorously turn and shake the bowl several times. This motion ensures every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the delicious breading mixture. For best results and to prevent overcrowding, you may need to do this in batches if preparing a large quantity of chicken.
Ready for Cooking: Open the lid and carefully lift the uniformly breaded chicken pieces out. Arrange them on a prepared baking sheet or in your air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each piece for optimal crisping.
Final Touches: If there’s any leftover breading mixture in the container, gently sprinkle and press it onto any areas of the chicken that might appear lightly coated, ensuring a thick, flavorful crust on every bite.

Breading FAQs

Can I use a ziplock bag instead of a lidded container? Absolutely! A gallon-sized ziplock bag works exceptionally well for this “shake-and-bake” method, offering the same convenience and minimal mess.
Will the traditional breading method work? Yes, if you prefer the classic approach of dipping chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs (or our Parmesan mixture), that will also yield delicious results. Our shake method simply offers a quicker, cleaner alternative.

Oven Baking Instructions for Crispy Paprika Parmesan Chicken

Baking these Paprika Parmesan Chicken tenders in the oven yields a wonderfully crispy exterior and juicy interior, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried options. Precision in preparation and temperature control are key to achieving the best results.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). This ensures that the chicken begins cooking immediately at the correct temperature, promoting an even crisp without drying out.
Prepare Your Baking Setup: For ultimate crispiness on all sides, arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around each piece. Be sure to lightly spray the cooling rack with cooking oil or olive oil mister to prevent any sticking. If you don’t have a cooling rack, you can bake them directly on a lightly greased baking sheet, but you’ll ideally need to flip them halfway through the cooking time to encourage even browning and crisping.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared rack or baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This prevents steaming and encourages a crispy crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the calibration of your oven.
Check for Doneness: The chicken is fully cooked when it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest piece. A meat thermometer is your best tool for ensuring both safety and optimal texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Air Fryer Instructions for Super Crispy Paprika Parmesan Chicken

Cooking these chicken tenders in an air fryer is a game-changer. You’ll achieve an incredibly crispy exterior and a wonderfully tender interior, all in a significantly shorter amount of time compared to conventional oven baking. Our Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer, for instance, perfectly accommodates about 1 pound of chicken tenders on its crisper plate without overlapping, which is crucial for optimal air circulation and crisping. Always refer to your air fryer’s specific manufacturer instructions, as models can vary.

Here’s our recommended process for air frying these delicious chicken tenders:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C) for 3 minutes with the crisper plate already in place. Preheating ensures an immediate sear on the chicken, contributing to a superior crisp.
Arrange Chicken in a Single Layer: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders or nuggets on the crisper plate. It is vital to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring no pieces overlap and that there’s adequate space around each piece. This allows for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that signature air-fried crispness. For this recipe, we generally haven’t needed to oil our crisper plate, but if your air fryer tends to stick, a light mist of olive oil (using a mister, not aerosol sprays like Pam, which can damage air fryer coatings) can be applied.
Cook and Flip: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 375 °F (190 °C) for approximately 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-10 minute mark), use silicone-tipped tongs to gently flip each piece of chicken. This ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides.
Monitor and Check for Doneness: Cook times can vary significantly based on the thickness of your chicken and the specific wattage/model of your air fryer. It’s important to check the chicken frequently to monitor its progress. You can easily do this by pausing the air fryer and pulling out the basket. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
- Best Method for Checking: For the most accurate reading, lift out the largest piece of chicken and insert a temperature probe into its side.
- Alternative Method: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, carefully cut the largest piece of chicken in half to visually confirm that it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Serve Immediately: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer using silicone tongs and enjoy its crispy, tender goodness!

Meal Prep Made Easy: How to Freeze Paprika Parmesan Chicken

One of the many benefits of this recipe is its exceptional freezer-friendliness, making meal planning and last-minute dinners incredibly simple. You can prepare and freeze the Paprika Parmesan Chicken before cooking, saving you precious time on busy weeknights.

Assemble Without Cooking: Follow all the steps to bread your chicken tenders as described in the “Easy Way to Bread” section, but do not cook them yet.
Flash Freeze: Arrange the prepared, raw, breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a freezable container. Ensure the pieces are not touching. Place this in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken pieces are firm and individually frozen. This prevents them from clumping together.
Store Properly: Once flash-frozen, transfer the chicken pieces to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date and contents. They can be stored for up to 2 months for optimal freshness and flavor.

Cooking Options for Frozen Chicken

When you’re ready to enjoy your prepped chicken, you have a couple of convenient options:

Defrost Overnight: For the best and most consistent results, transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Once thawed, proceed with the oven or air fryer cooking instructions as if they were freshly prepared.
Cook from Frozen: For ultimate convenience, you can cook the chicken tenders directly from frozen! Simply add about 10 minutes to the recommended oven baking time and approximately 5 minutes to the air fryer cooking time. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) before serving. Cooking from frozen might result in a slightly longer crisping time, but the overall tenderness will remain.

Regardless of your cooking method, always double-check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked through before enjoying. This freezer-friendly approach makes healthy, homemade meals accessible even on your busiest days.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

These Paprika Parmesan Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways, making them perfect for various meals and preferences. They’re faster than takeout and so flavorful, you might even find you don’t need ketchup!

Delicious Serving Ideas:

Classic Comfort: Serve alongside a vibrant green salad, some steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
Dipping Delight: Offer a variety of dips such as honey mustard, ranch, a creamy yogurt dip, or even a homemade marinara sauce for an interactive and fun eating experience.
Wraps & Sandwiches: Slice the cooked tenders and tuck them into warm tortillas or pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Salad Topper: Cube the chicken and scatter it over a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad for an instant protein boost and a flavorful crunch.
Pasta Partner: Pair with a light pasta dish, perhaps with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, allowing the chicken to be the star.

Creative Variations to Try:

Spicier Kick: If you love heat, swap sweet paprika for hot paprika, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.
Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning into the breading for an aromatic enhancement. A touch of garlic powder or onion powder also works wonders.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the breading for a bright, refreshing note that beautifully complements the chicken and Parmesan.
Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, mix a small amount of finely crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the almond flour breading.
Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, experiment with other hard, grated cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

These suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and make this recipe truly your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To ensure you have the best possible experience making our Paprika Parmesan Chicken, we’ve gathered some common questions and provided clear answers:

How do I ensure my chicken tenders are perfectly crispy?: For oven baking, use a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. In an air fryer, ensure chicken pieces are in a single layer with space between them and flip halfway through. Don’t overcrowd your cooking vessel, whether it’s an oven rack or an air fryer basket.
What’s the best way to check if chicken is fully cooked?: The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chicken piece. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink remaining.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders or nuggets?: Yes, absolutely! For best results, consider slicing larger chicken breasts into thinner cutlets or uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and to maximize the surface area for the delicious breading.
My breading isn’t sticking properly. What went wrong?: Ensure your chicken is adequately coated in egg wash; this is the glue for the breading. Also, don’t let the breaded chicken sit for too long before cooking, as moisture from the chicken can make the breading soggy. If using almond flour, a coarser grind can sometimes adhere better.
Can I prepare the breading mixture in advance?: Yes, you can mix the dry breading ingredients (Parmesan, flour, paprika, salt, pepper) ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This can save even more time during meal prep.
Are these suitable for a keto diet?: By using almond flour and ensuring your Parmesan cheese is 100% cheese without added starches, this recipe is highly adaptable for a keto diet. Always check the labels of your ingredients.
What kind of cooking oil should I use for spraying the rack/basket?: Olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil in a mister are excellent choices. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays like Pam in air fryers, as they can contain propellants that damage the non-stick coating over time.

We hope these answers help you confidently prepare this fantastic recipe!

📋 Recipe: Paprika Parmesan Chicken (Baked or Air Fryer)

Make low-carb, kid-friendly Paprika Parmesan Chicken in the oven OR air fryer using our easy NO-MESS tricks. Freeze them BEFORE or after cooking. This recipe is rated 5 stars by 2 votes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Equipment

Air Fryer (optional, for air frying method)
Large bowls (at least two, one with a lid)
Baking sheet and cooling rack (for oven method)
Meat thermometer (recommended)
Silicone tongs

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken tenders, nuggets or breasts (cut into uniform pieces)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons flour (unbleached all-purpose, white whole wheat, or almond flour for low-carb/gluten-free)
2 teaspoons paprika (sweet paprika recommended)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Lightly whisk the egg in one large bowl.
Add the chicken pieces to the egg wash bowl and turn to coat them thoroughly. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl or oblong-shaped container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Parmesan cheese, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal the container and shake well to thoroughly mix all the breading ingredients.
Using tongs, lift the chicken tenders from the egg wash, allowing excess egg to drip off. Transfer them into the bowl with the breading ingredients.
Seal the breading bowl tightly and gently turn/shake the bowl several times to coat the chicken evenly with the breading mixture. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

To Bake in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cooling rack (sprayed to prevent sticking) set over a baking sheet. If there’s any leftover breading, gently press it over the chicken tenders.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the largest piece. Enjoy!

To Cook in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C) for 3 minutes with the crisper plate in place.
Place chicken tenders or nuggets on the crisper plate in a single layer, ensuring no pieces overlap and there’s space for air circulation. Oiling the crisper plate was not necessary for us, but if needed, use an olive oil mister (avoid aerosol sprays).
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 375 °F (190 °C) for 15-20 minutes. Turn the pieces over with silicone tongs halfway through the cooking time and check for doneness periodically. Cook time will vary based on chicken thickness and air fryer model.
Check the chicken frequently by pausing the air fryer and pulling out the basket. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Use a temperature probe in the largest piece, or cut a piece in half to ensure it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
Remove chicken from the air fryer with silicone tongs and enjoy!

Notes

Expert Tips and Notes:

To Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the chicken tenders as instructed (breaded, but uncooked). Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Store for up to 2 months for best quality.
Cooking from Frozen: Chicken can be cooked directly from frozen. Add approximately 10 minutes to the oven cooking time and about 5 minutes to the air fryer cooking time. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Low-Carb Adaptation: For a low-carb version, use almond flour for the breading. This is also suitable for SBD (South Beach Diet) Phase 1.

Nutrition

(Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods.)

Calories: 395 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 149mg
Sodium: 511mg
Potassium: 323mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 677 IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 169mg
Iron: 2mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

We hope you love this incredible Paprika Parmesan Chicken! It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe offers the perfect blend of taste, health, and convenience. Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment if you make it, and tag us on social media using @DinnerMom and #DinnerMom. We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations!