Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that wins over everyone from picky kids to discerning adults, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine juicy, tender strips of chicken wrapped in a crisp, golden coating filled with the savory punch of parmesan and fragrant garlic. Not only are these tenders a crowd pleaser, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make and bake up in under an hour. Whether you plan to serve them as a weeknight main, party appetizer, or game-day snack, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders never fail to steal the spotlight at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering those bold, craveable flavors. Don’t underestimate how these basics work together to create incredible color, taste, and crunch for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders!
- Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These form the juicy, protein-packed foundation—make sure to cut breasts into evenly-sized strips.
- All-purpose flour: The first step in breading, flour helps the egg stick and creates a light, crispy layer.
- Large eggs (beaten): Beaten eggs act as glue to hold all that crunchy goodness in place.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style panko creates maximum crunch while keeping the coating airy and light.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, parmesan melts and browns to form a cheesy, golden crust with fantastic flavor.
- Garlic powder: Essential for that savory, irresistible garlic kick—don’t skimp here!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and a subtle herbal note to balance the richness.
- Salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors in every bite.
- Black pepper: A hint of heat rounds out the breadcrumb mix and brings everything together.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Brushing the tenders before baking ensures a beautifully golden, crispy finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh parsley sprinkled on top gives a pop of color and freshness for serving.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F. This hot temperature helps the coating crisp up beautifully and ensures juicy chicken inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or use a wire rack over the sheet for maximum air flow so the tenders come out extra crunchy all over.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
Grab three shallow bowls or dishes. Fill one with the flour, another with your beaten eggs, and the last with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This assembly line makes the breading process quick and neat, and each ingredient’s role really shines in the final flavor of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Now for the fun part: take each chicken strip and coat it first in the flour, then dip it thoroughly into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere, making sure every inch is covered for ultimate crunch and taste. Repeat until all your tenders are ready for the oven.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush
Carefully arrange the coated chicken tenders onto your prepared baking sheet. For an irresistibly golden finish, lightly drizzle or brush each piece with olive oil or melted butter. This bonus step guarantees that signature crispiness without the mess of frying.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides turn out perfectly crispy. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For even more crunch, broil the tenders for the last minute or two—but keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Classic parsley brings brightness and a burst of color when sprinkled over the tenders right before serving. A dusting of extra grated parmesan takes the cheesy factor up a notch, and a squeeze of fresh lemon can add a zesty finish. No matter which garnish you choose, it’s the little touches that really make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders feel special.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair perfectly with simple sides like roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. For a kid-friendly meal, serve them with seasoned fries or sweet potato wedges. Don’t forget dips—everything from ranch to marinara to a garlicky aioli complements their savory flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders sliced on a bed of Caesar salad or tucked into a warm pita with shredded lettuce and creamy sauce. They also work great as sliders on mini buns with a slice of tomato. These presentation ideas make them a hit for parties, lunches, or even casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, simply cool the tenders completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold, at room temperature, or reheat as needed—these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders never lose their appeal.
Freezing
These are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet so they aren’t touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully, making them a lifesaver for quick lunches or snacks.
Reheating
To bring back their original crispiness, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the coating, so go for the oven whenever possible.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You absolutely can! Panko gives a lighter, crispier texture, but if you only have regular breadcrumbs on hand, they’ll still taste delicious—just expect a slightly denser coating.
Can I make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Always double-check your labels to be safe, and you’ll have a perfect gluten-free version.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these?
There’s no wrong answer! Ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli all bring out different notes in the tenders. Set out a few options and let everyone discover their own favorite pairing.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Arrange the tenders in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get amazingly crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with even less oil.
Can I prep the tenders ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can. Bread the chicken and arrange them on a tray, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests without stress.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you’ll be looking for excuses to make them again and again. They’re crunchy, cheesy, super satisfying, and simple enough to become a staple in any kitchen. Gather your ingredients and give them a go—your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. A perfect family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
1½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
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
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Baking:
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling or brushing)
Garnish:
Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
- Prepare the coating: Set up three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place coated tenders on the baking sheet and drizzle with oil or butter.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with dipping sauce and parsley garnish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil for last 1–2 minutes.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
