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
Scale
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
