Name: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Olive oil spray or cooking spray

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If you’re looking for a foolproof way to win over any crowd, these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine juicy strips of chicken coated in a golden, garlicky crust with a hint of cheesy goodness in every bite — all baked to perfection for maximum crunch and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something comforting yet easy, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic chicken tenders, only better. Get ready for a plateful of irresistible, kid-friendly chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the simple first step to making these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders a standout dish. Each ingredient has a unique job, from building layers of flavor to ensuring that signature crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Chicken tenders (1 1/2 pounds): Tender, juicy, and perfectly sized for dipping or snacking, these are the heart of the dish.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the coating stick and gives the tenders a light exterior base for extra crunch.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable garlicky punch that makes these tenders unforgettable.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and a touch of color to the coating.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens up all the flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick and rounds out the spice profile.
Eggs (2 large): Serve as a binding agent, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick beautifully.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the egg mixture for even coating.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups): Deliver that coveted, ultra-crispy texture you crave in a chicken tender.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Infuses cheesy, salty depth and helps the coating brown up perfectly.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a pop of freshness and color, brightening every bite.
Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Ensures a crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you want the ultimate crisp, place a wire rack on top of the sheet — this allows heat to circulate all around the chicken tenders, giving you that irresistible crunch on every side.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Lay out three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Having this assembly line ready makes coating the chicken quick and mess-free.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, gently pressing to help the coating adhere. This triple-layered approach is the secret to perfect Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet (or wire rack, if using). Give them a light spray with olive oil or cooking spray — this step is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust without deep-frying.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake the tenders for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get that beautiful golden color. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, lightly browned, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For even more crunch, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Add a flourish of fresh chopped parsley or a gentle sprinkle of extra Parmesan right as the tenders come out of the oven. If you want to bring out the garlic flavor even more, a tiny drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can work wonders. Serve with lemon wedges for a little zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try them with classic French fries, a crisp green salad, or buttery corn on the cob. For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy coating.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a fun event by offering a dipping bar with options like marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli. Slice the tenders and serve them over pasta or a Caesar salad for a weeknight twist. For parties, thread them onto skewers for easy, crowd-pleasing finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crisp, avoid wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap directly.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to have homemade chicken tenders ready whenever a craving strikes!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the bake time until the centers are hot.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs give these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders their signature crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will create a finer, softer coating, so the texture will be different but still delicious.

Is it possible to make these tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The taste and crunch will remain just as satisfying.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Definitely! Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is fantastic for achieving extra crispy tenders with less oil and even faster cleanup.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

These chicken tenders are super versatile and pair well with classic choices like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. For a real treat, try them with garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Can I prepare the tenders ahead of time and bake later?

You sure can! Assemble the tenders, place them on your baking sheet, and refrigerate covered for up to 6 hours before baking. When ready, spray with oil and pop them in the oven as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that never disappoints, give these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders a try. They’re simple, fun to make, and loaded with flavor and crunch in every bite. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again—enjoy!

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make baked option that yields juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, crunchy Parmesan and panko crust. Perfect as a family-friendly main course, they bake to golden perfection and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil spray or cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined to create a flavorful flour coating.
Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the two large eggs together with two tablespoons of milk to make the egg wash that helps the coating adhere.
Mix Breadcrumb Coating: In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to create the crispy, cheesy topping.
Coat Chicken Tenders: One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to encourage browning and crispiness during baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for a delicious meal.

Notes

For even crispier chicken tenders, place them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath during baking.
These chicken tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Leftover tenders reheat well in the oven to maintain their crunchy texture.
Make sure the tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American