Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

While this recipe is not ultra low in calories and fat, it is considerably healthier than the standard preparation. Therefore, you can enjoy the old standard with less guilt. The recipe is easy to prepare, satisfying , and heart healthy. It is also suitable for diabetics.

Ingredients:

2 large eggs, beaten
1 lb. chicken tenders
1 C whole wheat breadcrumbs, coarse
1/2 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
1 Tbs Italian seasoning (unless breadcrumbs are seasoned)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 C whole wheat flour (preferred)
Olive oil cooking spray
Marinara sauce for dipping

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Put an oil sprayed wire rack on a baking sheet.

Put flour in one shallow dish and eggs in another. Mix parmesan cheese, garlic powder , Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs and place in another shallow dish.  Coat each tender in flour. Shake off excess and coat each tender with the beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumb/parmesan cheese mixture to coat thoroughly.

Place the tenders on the wire rack, spray with cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes. turn them over, spray the tenders and put back in oven for about 10 minutes more, until crisp.

Serve with marinara sauce or offer a variety of sauces like sweet and sour, teriyaki, etc.

Serving size=4oz. 335 calories per serving; 12 grams of fat (4 saturated); 132 mg cholesterol; 23 grams carbohydrate; 31 grams protein; 3 grams fiber; 607 grams sodium; 466 mg potassium.

Diabetic exchange equivalents: 3 lean meats, 1 starch, 1 vegetable

Makes 4 servings; 30 minutes prep/cook time