Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

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If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that features loads of flavor and a crispy exterior without the fuss of frying, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken coated with a crunchy, savory crust packed with sharp Parmesan and plenty of garlic—this recipe is weeknight magic meets game-day favorite! Whether dipped into your favorite sauce, piled onto a salad, or tucked into a sandwich, these tenders are unfailingly delicious and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, but each one is chosen for what it brings to the table. From the savory bite of Parmesan to a hint of Italian herbs, these are the essentials for flavor, crunch, and that irresistible golden finish.

Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): Tender, juicy, and perfect for quick, even cooking, chicken tenders make this recipe fuss-free and reliably moist.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Delivers nutty, salty flavor, plus helps create that iconic crispy crust.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add amazing crunch and stay light and airy in the oven.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Provides a base for dredging, so the breading can cling perfectly to the chicken.
Large eggs (2): Whisked eggs act as the glue, making sure your Parmesan coating sticks to every bit of chicken.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic offers a punch of flavor that makes these tenders pop.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the fresh garlic with a mellow, warm background note.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herby aroma and depth, making the tenders extra flavorful.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to bring everything together and highlight the cheesy, garlicky notes.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A little bite to round out the flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the breading crisp up gorgeously in the oven with a rich finish.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a subtle herbaceous flavor for a final flourish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and give it a few minutes to get nice and hot. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top—this ensures even crisping and makes cleanup a breeze. A prepped pan also means you can move seamlessly from breading to baking with no stress!

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

For coating perfection, grab three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. In the third dish, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This organized “assembly line” will help every tender get evenly coated for max crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Working one at a time, start each chicken tender in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Dip it into the whisked eggs, letting excess drip away, then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix until fully covered—don’t be afraid to pat the coating on so it sticks. These generous layers are the secret to the irresistibly crispy finish on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders!

Step 4: Arrange and Drizzle with Olive Oil

Place your breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet, giving each one a bit of space so they bake up crispy, not soggy. Then, lightly drizzle (or spray) olive oil over each piece—this touch of oil is key for achieving that deep golden color and satisfying crunch in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to brown both sides evenly. If you crave extra crunch, pop them under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end. When the coating is beautifully golden and the chicken is cooked through, you’ll know your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley takes these tenders from everyday to eye-catching, adding a pop of color and a subtle herbal touch. If you like, finish with an extra dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a playful, spicy note.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders shine alongside a simple garden salad, classic fries, or creamy coleslaw. They’re also fantastic with roasted veggies or a pile of buttery mashed potatoes. For dipping, think cool ranch, zesty marinara, or your favorite honey mustard—everyone will want to try more than one!

Creative Ways to Present

These tenders are as versatile as they are delicious. Layer them into a wrap with fresh greens and tomatoes, top a Caesar salad for a protein boost, or create a family-friendly chicken tender platter with a trio of dips. For a fun twist, tuck them into a toasted sub roll with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of garlic butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders left (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy inside and lets you enjoy leftovers for quick meals or snacks.

Freezing

These tenders freeze beautifully! Simply arrange the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making future dinners effortless.

Reheating

To restore their crispy charm, reheat tenders in a preheated 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, until hot and crunchy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. A few extra minutes in the oven brings them right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs will work, though panko gives your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders a lighter, crunchier texture. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan to mimic panko’s signature crispiness.

Is it okay to substitute chicken breasts for tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders aren’t available. Try to keep the pieces a similar thickness so they cook evenly and give you that classic tender experience.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in the air fryer?

Definitely! Cook at 375°F for around 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer yields an extra-crispy finish with less oil, making it a fantastic option for this recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The tenders are done when they’re golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the coating will be wonderfully crunchy!

Are Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders good for meal prep?

They sure are! Bake a batch and store in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have flavorful protein ready all week for salads, wraps, or easy kid-approved lunches.

Final Thoughts

Give these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders a try next time you want something crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—without a ton of hassle. They’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, so don’t be surprised if they become the most requested recipe at your table!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, these baked tenders are easy to make and perfect for a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders

Coating:

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour

Egg Mixture:

2 large eggs

Seasonings:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Others:

2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Set Up Stations: In separate dishes, place the flour and whisked eggs.
Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
Bake: Place coated tenders on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.