Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. These golden-baked delights deliver an ultra-crispy crust packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor, all while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Easy enough for a busy evening yet impressive enough for casual entertaining, these tenders bring together simple pantry staples to create a finger-licking meal everyone will crave. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or just yourself, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders lies in how a handful of simple ingredients create layers of flavor and texture. Every item on this list matters, building up that unbeatable combination of a crispy exterior and savory, juicy chicken. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the show, these strips cook quickly and stay extra tender—perfect for bite-sized, crispy goodness.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style): Essential for the crunchy coating; Italian-style adds extra herby flavor while plain lets the Parmesan shine through.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty richness and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic powder: An unmistakable kick of garlicky flavor in every bite.
- Dried parsley: Flecks of green brighten up the coating with a subtle herby touch.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a gorgeous golden color.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A bit of zest that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Eggs: The essential “glue” that helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Olive oil or melted butter: A drizzle over the top makes the coating shatteringly crisp and adds a hint of richness you’ll love.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Heat Things Up & Prep Your Pan
To get those Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders perfectly crisp, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. This quick step means less time scrubbing, more time enjoying!
Step 2: Mix Up the Crispy Coating
Grab a shallow bowl and combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together so every breadcrumb is flecked with cheese and spice. Trust me, this flavor-packed coating will become your new go-to for more than just chicken.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nicely blended. The eggs provide the “sticky” surface that helps make every inch of chicken tender covered with that delicious, cheesy breadcrumb mixture. Don’t rush this step—a thorough whisk gives the best crust!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs first. Next, transfer it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure every side is thoroughly coated. Lay the coated tenders out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet—no crowding, so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Step 5: Add That Golden Touch
Before baking, lightly drizzle or brush the tops of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with olive oil or melted butter. This little move makes a huge difference, ensuring your tenders bake up ultra-crispy and golden instead of dry and bland.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous, golden brown coating and juicy chicken that’s cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). If you’re after an even crunchier bite, try baking on a wire rack or using panko breadcrumbs.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even more grated Parmesan right before serving makes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders look as irresistible as they taste. Try a squeeze of lemon for a pop of brightness, or add a touch of cracked black pepper if you like a little zip.
Side Dishes
Pair your tenders with classic sides like crispy fries, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad. They’re fantastic with your favorite dipping sauces—think cool ranch, tangy marinara, or sweet honey mustard. If you want a comfort meal, serve them with buttered noodles or creamy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders aren’t just for dipping—they’re also amazing chopped up on salads, tucked into wraps, or layered into sandwiches with fresh greens and tomatoes. For a fun party twist, cut them into bite-sized nuggets and serve with a trio of sauces on a platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the tenders cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days. Keep the sauces separate to maintain that signature crispy outside.
Freezing
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat tenders in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy—usually 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make them soggy, but if you’re in a rush, pop them in for about a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips roughly the size of traditional tenders. The cooking time shouldn’t change much—just keep an eye out for that golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F.
What’s the best way to make these tenders extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones gives you the crunchiest crust. Also, don’t skip the drizzle of olive oil or butter before baking, and make sure there’s space between each piece on the baking sheet.
Can Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders be made gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for traditional ones. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free, so it’s a super easy swap!
Do I need to marinate the chicken in advance?
No marinating needed! The flavorful coating provides plenty of punch, and the quick prep means you can go from craving to satisfying meal in just about 35 minutes.
What sauces go best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
These tenders play well with almost any sauce, but they’re especially delicious with ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. For something different, try a spicy aioli or fresh tzatziki!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders truly deliver. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and so satisfying with every crunchy, cheesy bite. Give them a try this week—you might find they’re just as popular in your house as they are in mine!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner. Coated in a savory blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these baked chicken tenders are a delicious alternative to fried options.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other:
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tbsp 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.
- Prepare coating: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Coat chicken: Dip each tender in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place tenders on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil or butter, and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Can be air fried at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Pair with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
