“`html
If you love a finger-licking, flavorful snack or meal that feels both indulgent and homemade, then this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken strips, perfectly crispy on the outside with a golden parmesan crust infused with fresh garlic and Italian herbs — bursting with that irresistible savory crunch in every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick family dinner or impressing friends during game night, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication all on one plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role — from creating that satisfyingly crunchy coating to infusing rich flavors that elevate everyday chicken to something truly special.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced into perfect tender strips for even cooking.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the parmesan cheese.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create that golden crust.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are light and crispier than regular breadcrumbs for amazing texture.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue to hold the coating firmly on each chicken strip.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle that helps brown the chicken beautifully in the oven and keeps it moist.
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste: The seasoning trio that brings everything together with balanced flavor complexity.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to get that crisp, golden crust from the get-go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having your workspace ready saves you time and effort later.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken into Strips
Trim the chicken breasts and slice them into even strips about the size of your finger. Uniform pieces mean they bake evenly, so no strip ends up overcooked or underdone. This step is easy but crucial for perfectly crispy tenders.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet and Dry Breading Stations
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt to create the wet dip. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. The parmesan and garlic in the dry mix add bursts of flavor in every crunchy bite, turning simple breadcrumbs into a savory crust.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then generously coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This double step forms the essential crispy layer that makes this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe so addictive.
Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle
Place the coated chicken strips spaced evenly on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top to help with browning and moisture retention. This little touch results in a golden, crunchy exterior without frying.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Bake the chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even cooking and crispiness all around. Watch as the panko mixture turns a beautiful golden brown, signaling those irresistible tenders are ready to devour.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over your chicken tenders for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the savory richness of the parmesan and garlic crust.
Side Dishes
These tenders are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangy coleslaw. For a fun twist, serve them alongside garlic aioli or marinara sauce for dipping — the combo is pure comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these crispy delights into a vibrant platter alongside colorful roasted veggies, or stack them in a wrap with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. You could even turn this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe into sliders with soft buns and your favorite sauces for a party hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, giving you grab-and-go meals or quick snacks ready to satisfy your cravings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these chicken tenders later, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven for perfect crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat and retain that iconic crunch, warm the tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy — you want to keep every bite delightfully crispy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and flavor, which can add extra juiciness, but make sure to adjust cooking time slightly so they’re cooked through without drying out.
Is it possible to bake these without olive oil?
While olive oil helps create a golden crust, you can skip it for a lower-fat option. Just keep a close eye during baking as the tenders might be a touch less crispy without the oil drizzle.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture and flavor will stay just as delicious and crispy.
What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have parmesan on hand, pecorino romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives with a similar sharp, salty profile that works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy after baking?
Once baked, place tenders on a wire rack instead of a plate to let excess steam escape. This simple trick helps maintain that crispy texture until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and flavorful punch of this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe to elevate any meal or snack time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to chicken tenders that are bursting with flavor and irresistibly crispy all at once.
“`
Print
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a deliciously golden, crunchy baked chicken dish infused with garlic and Italian herbs, coated with parmesan and panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Perfect as a family-friendly main course or appetizer, these tenders are simple to prepare and oven-baked to perfection for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
For Baking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even-sized strips to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Make Coatings: In one bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian herbs thoroughly.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated chicken strips on the baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over them to enhance browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure an even golden-brown and crispy texture on both sides.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, allow the coated chicken strips to rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute Italian herbs with your preferred mix such as dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Make sure chicken strips are similar size for even cooking.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard for added flavor.
