Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you are anything like me and adore crispy, flavorful chicken with a touch of cheesy goodness, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a golden, perfectly seasoned crust that delivers a burst of garlic and Parmesan in every bite. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to building the amazing flavor and crispy texture of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe. Each one plays a special role, from adding crunch to bringing out the garlicky, cheesy taste that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, these are tender and cook quickly while staying juicy inside.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create a light, extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy after baking.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings that rich, umami-packed cheesy flavor that perfectly complements garlic.
- Garlic powder: Provides a deep, savory garlic taste that infuses every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle layer of warmth and complexity to the seasoning.
- Dried parsley: Offers a hint of fresh herbal brightness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken for that perfect crust.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Olive oil spray or melted butter: Used to crisp up the tenders in the oven and add a touch of richness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This simple step ensures your tenders won’t stick and your cleanup is easy, setting the stage for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended. This mixture acts as the glue that will help the breadcrumb coating stick firmly to each tender, creating that coveted crispy outer layer.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what brings the signature flavor and texture that will make your chicken tenders stand out.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, making sure to let the excess drip off. Then, dredge the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating clings well. This process guarantees that every bite is packed with flavor and that crispy crust we all love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush on some melted butter. This final touch helps develop that golden-brown, irresistible crispiness during baking. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are beautifully golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once done, serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe piping hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Every bite promises the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan make fantastic garnishes. They add a pop of color and enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors you worked hard to create. A small drizzle of lemon juice over the top also brightens up the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Try serving them with crisp garden salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal. For a fun twist, some crispy sweet potato fries or a side of garlic butter noodles also complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this dish beyond the plate by presenting it as finger food for a casual get-together. Arrange the chicken tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing at parties or family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separated with parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked tenders. Let them cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy them whenever you crave a quick homemade meal.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, baking until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is it possible to make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the flavors stay intact.
Can I air-fry the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Definitely. Air-frying is a fantastic alternative that yields extra crispy tenders in about 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. Just spray lightly with oil before cooking and shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
How do I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?
For that amazing crunch, try placing the coated tenders on a wire rack set over your baking sheet when baking. This allows air to circulate around the chicken so it crisps evenly on all sides.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?
There are so many delicious options! Classic ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy buffalo sauce, or a rich marinara all pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe has all the qualities that make a meal memorable: it’s crispy, flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, these tenders hit all the right notes. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share this crisp, cheesy delight with friends and family — it may just become your new favorite too!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and kid-friendly baked chicken recipe. Coated with a savory blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, then baked to golden perfection, they make a delicious and easy main course perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Baking
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined to create the egg wash for coating the chicken tenders.
- Mix Breading: In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each for even cooking.
- Add Fat for Crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil or brush with melted butter to help achieve a crispy, golden crust while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the tenders from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
- You can also air-fry the tenders at 400°F for 10–12 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- To add a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture before coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
