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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
