If you’re searching for a recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Juicy chicken, a crunchy golden coating, and a savory burst of garlic and Parmesan in every bite—what’s not to love? This dish is the perfect marriage of comfort food and easy weeknight dinner, with the added bonus of being baked instead of fried. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family meal, party appetizer, or just a cozy night in, these chicken tenders will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating those irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. The list is short, but each component adds something special to the flavor, texture, and appearance of your tenders. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken tenders (1 1/2 pounds): These are the perfect size for finger food, and they cook quickly while staying juicy.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Panko gives the coating that signature crunch that everyone loves—don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want maximum crispiness!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps the coating brown beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with that savory garlic goodness, without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a herby, aromatic note that complements both the chicken and the cheese.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the coating and chicken.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Helps the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating stick to the chicken strips.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons, optional): A light drizzle or brushing on top adds even more golden crispiness after baking.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or use a wire rack set over the sheet for even crispier results. Getting this step out of the way first means your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders can go straight into the oven once they’re coated.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture is the secret to that incredible, savory crunch. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and cheese throughout the panko for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Crack the eggs into a separate shallow bowl and beat them well. The egg wash acts as the glue, helping the breadcrumb and cheese mixture cling perfectly to the chicken tenders. Don’t skip this step if you want that irresistible crispy coating!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken firmly so it sticks. Place the breaded tenders on your prepared baking sheet or rack, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
Step 5: Add Extra Crisp (Optional)
If you’re craving an extra golden crunch, lightly drizzle or brush the tops of the tenders with olive oil or melted butter. This step isn’t mandatory, but it takes your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders to the next level of crispiness and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is your cue to pull them out. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with a little extra grated Parmesan and a touch of chopped fresh parsley for color. For even more flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving—it brightens everything up and pairs beautifully with the savory coating.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders are super versatile and go well with just about anything. Try serving them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or classic French fries. For dipping, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli are all fantastic choices that highlight the cheesy, garlicky notes of the tenders.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders into sliders by tucking them into mini buns with lettuce and tomato, or slice them up to top a Caesar salad. They also make a fun and hearty filling for wraps with a little extra Parmesan and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover tenders cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked and cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking together. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready for a quick meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. The air fryer also works wonders for restoring their crunch! Microwaving is fastest, but the coating won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips to mimic the size and shape of tenders. They’ll work perfectly in this recipe and cook up just as juicy and flavorful.
Is it possible to make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy substitution.
Can I air-fry these chicken tenders?
Definitely! Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll get just as golden and crispy without turning on the oven.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
There’s no wrong answer here! Marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all make delicious dips that complement the cheesy, garlicky flavor of the tenders.
Can I prepare the tenders ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a fantastic option for parties or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are such a hit—they’re simple, satisfying, and packed with incredible flavor. If you’re ready for a meal that’s sure to delight both kids and adults, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and crispy baked chicken dish coated with a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these tenders make a kid-friendly and satisfying main course that’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash and Optional Oil
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional, for drizzling or brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or placing a wire rack on it. This setup helps the chicken tenders bake evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful coating will give the chicken a crunchy, savory crust.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly to create an egg wash that will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then roll and press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Oil Drizzle: For extra crispy and golden tenders, lightly drizzle or brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter before baking. This adds flavor and helps browning.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- To make these in an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- If chicken tenders are unavailable, you can cut chicken breasts into strips of similar size to substitute.
- Using parchment paper or a wire rack under the tenders helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
