Crispy chicken tenders coated in shredded mozzarella cheese and finely chopped pepperoni are so flavorful. Serve them with pizza sauce!
Apparently I’m on a chicken tender kick. They are so fun and easy to customize. It is a toss up which flavor I like better, these pizza chicken tenders, Caesar salad chicken tenders, or my taco chicken tenders. And I love making both chicken tenders or chicken nuggets in my air fryer! They turn out super crispy.
The chicken tender recipes could have something to do with having a two year old. She loves anything that she can eat with her fingers, and even better, something she can dip into hummus, salsa, mustard, ketchup, or in this case, pizza sauce.
Like the rest of us, anything related to pizza is definitely on her good list.
I typically buy boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them up into tender-sized pieces. You can buy the pre-cut chicken tenders, but I normally stock up on boneless skinless breasts when they are on sale. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are about half the price of chicken tenders so I feel like that is a more budget-friendly option. If you cut your own tenders like I do, don’t worry if they aren’t all perfectly shaped. I do try to get them all about the same size, though, so they cook evenly.
The crispy coating is easy. It’s a three step process. Dip the chicken pieces in seasoned flour , then eggs, and then a crunchy pizza topping composed of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni and Italian seasoning.
The nice thing about pizza chicken tenders is that you get the taste of pizza but with lots of lean protein and far less cheese. Don’t get me wrong, we won’t stop eating pizza any time soon, but chicken tenders are good for some variety. Oh, and did I mention that they are baked, not fried?
Enjoy with pizza sauce for dipping!
More pizza style recipes
Seems like nearly everyone loves pizza! I have lots of recipes that are pizza themed. Try:
- Pizza Pasta — 1 pan, 6 ingredients, 20 minutes!
- Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pinwheels
- Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Easy Pizza Dough Recipe {and Cheesy Flatbread}
- Pizza Sliders Recipe (Pepperoni Pizza)
- Pizza Chicken — One pan, 5 ingredients!
- Pizza Quesadilla on the Grill — Great for the kids!
- Grilled Pizza with Pesto and Tomatoes {5 ingredients!}
Pizza Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into equal sized strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni (half of a 3.15 ounce package)
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup pizza sauce for dipping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with a Silpat baking sheet.
- Place flour and half of Italian seasoning in a large shallow bowl. Place beaten eggs in another shallow bowl, and bread crumbs, remaining Italian seasoning, pepperoni and mozzarella in a third bowl.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour mixture, then dip in eggs (let excess drip off), and then finally in bread crumb mixture. Place chicken strip on prepared tray and repeat until all chicken strips are coated.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Enjoy hot with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer, use pre-cut chicken tenders.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
These are so fun! My kiddos 2 favorite foods all in one :)
Do you think other types of cheese could work too?
I have cheddar and halloumi, could I use those or is mozzarella a must?
I think cheddar would be great, Parmesan would taste fantastic as well.
Thank you!
Oh man– I desperately need these! Pizzafied chicken tenders sound like a dream come true!
I feel like I’m always on a chicken tender kick. I just made baked chicken tenders last night! And now I’m wishing they were pizza style :)
These are so fun! I love that you put pepperoni in the breading!
I love giving Judah baked chicken tenders, homemade. And, to have a variety of flavors like this? Even better!!
These sound amazing, friend. A great crowd-pleaser!
I am a Panko fan…and a chicken tender fan…and a pizza fan LOL. This is perfect!
Love this idea! You are so creative!!!
such a great idea! love these flavors because pizza. duh.