Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly dish that packs a flavorful punch and satisfies every craving, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken, a crispy panko-Parmesan crust, and that perfect balance of garlicky goodness and Italian herbs come together to create a dinner you’ll want on repeat. There’s truly something special about how this beloved classic manages to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, game day parties, or just a cozy night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each plays a starring role, making your tenders irresistibly crispy and cheesy every single time!
- Chicken Tenders: The perfect size for dipping, these cook up fast and stay wonderfully juicy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a base coating that helps the eggs and breadcrumbs stick for maximum crunch.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a glue, helping all those tasty seasonings cling to the chicken.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These flaky Japanese-style crumbs guarantee that next-level crispiness every time.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! It adds a salty, savory kick and gorgeous golden color.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for that deep, rich garlic flavor throughout every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a beautiful medley of herbs that make the flavor pop.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory notes and ties everything together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that warms up the flavor profile.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: A little drizzle is the secret to ultra-crispy tenders without a deep fryer.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For a foolproof cleanup and perfectly golden bottoms, lay out a parchment-lined baking sheet or give it a quick spray of cooking oil. This gives your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders the best possible start—no sticking, just easy crispiness!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls. Fill one with your all-purpose flour—this coats each piece so the egg sticks like a dream. Next, crack and beat your eggs in the second bowl. The third bowl is for your flavor-packed mix: panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix it up! This assembly line is the key to crave-worthy chicken tenders.
Step 3: Dredge, Dip, Coat!
One at a time, press each chicken tender into the flour so it gets a light, even coating. Then dip it into the eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, roll and press each piece into your breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until every inch is covered. This triple-layer coating technique delivers maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Lay your beautifully coated Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders out on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them nicely so air can circulate for even crisping. Gently drizzle or brush each one with a bit of olive oil or melted butter. This not only amps up the crunchy texture, it makes for gorgeous golden color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping each tender halfway through. This ensures both sides cook up crisp and the chicken stays super juicy. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden, sizzling, and cooked all the way through.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Scatter a few tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley or basil over your platter of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for a pop of color and an herby fragrance. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan is never wrong, and a squeeze of lemon takes the flavors to a whole new level of brightness.
Side Dishes
These tenders play well with just about anything! Pair with crisp fries, a simple green salad, creamy coleslaw, or oven-roasted veggies to round out your meal. For comfort food heaven, serve with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or garlic breadsticks.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, pile the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders high on a rustic wood board with little bowls of different dips—think marinara, ranch, buffalo sauce, or a zippy aioli. You can also slice them up for a salad topper, stuff them into wraps, or layer inside sandwiches for a lunch everyone will remember!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days and are perfect for snacking, salads, or packed lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or surprise cravings!
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked crunch, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in an oven set to 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer for even speedier results. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to soften the breading.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. Try to keep them the same size as tenders so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
What dipping sauces go best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Classic choices like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard are amazing, but don’t stop there! Spicy buffalo, a creamy garlic dip, or a yogurt-based sauce bring even more excitement to every bite.
How do I make them extra crispy?
For max crunch, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set above the baking sheet so air circulates all around. A quick spray or brush of oil or melted butter before baking also helps ensure a perfectly crispy finish.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The result will still be wonderfully crispy and flavorful.
Is there a way to make these in the air fryer?
Definitely! Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out extra crunchy with barely any oil required.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard to resist making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders again and again—they deliver easy comfort, show-stopping flavor, and universal crowd appeal every time. Give this recipe a spot in your weekly rotation and enjoy crispy, cheesy, golden goodness at its absolute best. Your friends and family will thank you!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a family-friendly meal. Coated in a savory Parmesan breadcrumb mixture with a hint of garlic, these baked chicken tenders are a delicious alternative to fried versions.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
Coating:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling or brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it.
- Prepare coating: Set up three bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place coated tenders on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, serve with preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack over the baking sheet.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a quicker cooking method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
