Tender, juicy, and baked to a golden perfection, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders deliver a mouthwatering mix of crunch and bold flavor in every bite. This recipe has become my go-to for weeknight meals and casual get-togethers alike—it’s just that good! With a winning combination of garlic, Parmesan, and the crunchiness that only panko can bring, these tenders are every bit as irresistible as they sound. You won’t believe how quickly you can whip these up, or how fast they’ll disappear from the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is how straightforward the ingredient list is—yet each element earns its place, adding to the overall flavor and crunch. Here’s everything you need, plus a little tip or note on what makes each ingredient special!
- Chicken tenders: The perfect cut for finger-friendly strips, juicy and quick to cook.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Choose freshly grated if possible for that nutty, cheesy bite and unbeatable crispiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs bake up extra crunchy for a satisfying texture.
- Garlic powder: Provides an even, punchy garlic flavor that coats every tender perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings subtle herby notes, making these tenders pop.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the breading and the chicken itself—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds that signature touch of warmth to round out the flavor.
- Large eggs: Help the breading stick and keep the tenders moist inside.
- Milk: Loosens up the egg wash for light, even coating.
- All-purpose flour: The classic first step to help everything else adhere—it’s what ensures that perfect crust.
- Olive oil or melted butter: A drizzle before baking transforms the outside into crispy, golden deliciousness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you want easy cleanup, or lightly grease it to prevent any sticking. Getting all set up in advance helps everything move quickly once you start breading the tenders.
Step 2: Mix Up the Breading
In a shallow dish, stir together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to enjoy how incredible this blend smells—you can already tell just how good the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are going to be!
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
Crack the eggs into a second shallow bowl and whisk them with the milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the flour into a third shallow dish. With these three stations ready, breading the tenders will be a breeze.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Working one at a time, dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it gently into the cheesy panko mixture. This triple-layer breading is what sets these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders apart—don’t rush, and really press the coating on for maximum crunch.
Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle
As you finish each tender, lay it out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan; space is key for even browning. Drizzle all the tenders lightly with olive oil or melted butter—this is the secret to making them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they’re deeply golden and cooked through. For an extra crunchy finish, broil them for the last two minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the tenders at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Whichever method you choose, you want that irresistible golden color and a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A finishing flourish sets your platter apart! Scatter on fresh chopped parsley for a hit of green, or add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan just as they come out of the oven. If you love zing, serve with lemon wedges for drizzling on top right before eating.
Side Dishes
These tenders are deliciously versatile—try pairing them with crisp oven fries, a cool Caesar salad, simple steamed veggies, or creamy coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of greens with your favorite vinaigrette. And don’t forget the dipping sauce; ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli are all fantastic with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the tenders up on a wooden board for casual gatherings, or slice them and serve over pasta Alfredo for a heartier meal. They’re also wonderful stuffed in wraps with crunchy lettuce and tomatoes, turning leftovers into a whole new lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and moist, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, and you can reheat them straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring back maximum crunch, reheat tenders in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet (10–15 minutes should do it), or use an air fryer for even crisper results. Avoid microwaving—they’ll taste fine but lose that wonderful crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders. The cook time stays nearly the same—just make sure each piece is evenly sized.
What’s the best way to make these extra crispy?
For ultra-crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, don’t skip drizzling with olive oil or melted butter, and finish with a couple of minutes under the broiler to really brown the topping.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free panko and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—everyone can enjoy these delicious tenders!
Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Go ahead and bread the chicken up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes them ideal for entertaining or prepping busy weeknight meals.
Which dipping sauces go best with these tenders?
Ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, and marinara are all favorites with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders—try a couple of options for dipping and let everyone discover their favorite!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to crave these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders once you’ve tried them—they have the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and crispy in every bite. Give them a spot in your mealtime rotation, and watch as they become a new family (or friends!) favorite. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Print
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory Parmesan and garlic flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ 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
Coating:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare egg wash: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish.
- Coat the tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil: Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp up.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
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