Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

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If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both easy and utterly irresistible, look no further than these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. This recipe is a weeknight hero: juicy strips of chicken, coated in a golden, cheesy crust with just the right kiss of garlic and herbs. They bake up beautifully crisp—no deep fryer required—and are perfect for dunking, stacking on salads, or piling into wraps. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are bound to become a menu regular in your home.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and crunch, while keeping things simple and fuss-free. The combination of pantry staples and fresh chicken creates a tender, savory bite you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken Tenders: These are the star of the show—naturally tender and quick to cook, perfect for busy nights.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings bold, salty, nutty flavor and helps create that signature crispy crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs add unbeatable crunch and lightness to every bite.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with warm, mellow garlic flavor—no mincing required!
Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby, aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the cheese and chicken.
Salt: Enhances the savory flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick and depth to the coating.
Eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture stick and add moisture to the tenders.
Milk: Lightens the egg wash, ensuring an even, delicate coating.
Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: A quick spritz or drizzle ensures the tenders bake up perfectly golden and crisp.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This step sets you up for a quick, breezy assembly and helps the tenders brown evenly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crunchy Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed—this is your secret weapon for a flavorful, crunchy crust that makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders so irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them together with the milk until fully blended. This egg mixture acts as the glue that binds the tasty coating to each tender, ensuring every bite is perfectly covered.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat all sides. Press gently so the coating sticks well—this is where the magic happens and your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders get their signature crunch.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Lay the coated tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give the tops a light spray or drizzle of olive oil; this step ensures a golden, crispy finish. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

For extra crunch, you can broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are at their very best fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon over the top all add a bright, fresh touch. These little extras make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your tenders with classic sides like crispy fries, a cool Caesar salad, or roasted veggies. For a lighter spin, try serving them alongside a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad—these sides help balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the tenders on a platter with a trio of dips for a fun appetizer spread, tuck them into wraps with crisp lettuce for a portable lunch, or slice and scatter them over pasta or salads for a heartier meal. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are as versatile as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover tenders cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks.

Freezing

Freeze cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just pull out a few whenever you need an easy meal!

Reheating

To bring back their signature crunch, reheat tenders in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. A few minutes in the oven, and they’re good as new!

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, though panko gives the tenders a lighter, crispier texture. If you’re using regular breadcrumbs, try toasting them briefly in a dry pan for extra crunch.

Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and make sure your Parmesan is gluten-free certified. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?

These tenders are fantastic with classic ranch or marinara, but don’t be afraid to try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. There’s really no wrong answer!

Can I prepare the tenders ahead of time?

You can bread the tenders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. That way, you can pop them straight into the oven whenever you need a quick dinner.

Do Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders work in the air fryer?

They sure do! Air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer makes them extra crisp and cuts down on cooking time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and crave-worthy, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tenders are sure to win rave reviews. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Delicious and crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection. This kid-friendly and easy-to-make recipe features juicy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic seasoning. Perfect as a main course for a quick dinner or snack, served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk

For Baking

Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Make Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended; this will help the coating stick to the chicken tenders.
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating thoroughly.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to promote even cooking.
Add Oil: Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
Bake the Tenders: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides become golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optional Crisping: For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serving: Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or honey mustard for a delicious meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, finish by broiling the chicken tenders for 1–2 minutes after baking.
Alternatively, you can air-fry the tenders at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These chicken tenders freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
Use fresh or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

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