If you love golden, crispy chicken with bold flavors, these GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS will absolutely become your new weeknight favorite! Imagine juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy, savory blanket of garlic, parmesan, and panko with every bite—there’s honestly no going back to plain chicken tenders after you try this. Even better, these beauties are baked instead of fried, keeping things on the lighter side without sacrificing a single bit of that crave-worthy crunch. It’s the ultimate easy dinner that delivers every time, whether you’re feeding a whole family or just yourself with leftovers to spare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together for big flavor. Each item plays its part: juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, tangy parmesan, and that perfect panko crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken Tenders: Choose boneless, skinless strips for quick, even cooking and tender results every time.
- White Flour: Gives each tender a base layer for the coating to cling to, helping maximize crunch.
- Olive Oil (or Melted Butter): Creates a luscious, golden coating and adds richness to every bite.
- Minced Garlic: The star aromatic—fresh garlic infuses the oil and tenders with mouthwatering savory flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create the lightest, crispiest crust imaginable.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, it amps up the umami and marries beautifully with garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors—don’t skip them!
How to Make GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to a piping-hot 400°F. This hot blast is what gives your GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS their signature crispy edges and juicy center. While the oven heats up, trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders for a neat, professional look and even cooking. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls or rimmed plates: In the first, combine the flour with generous pinches of salt and pepper. In the second, whisk together olive oil (or melted butter, if that’s your indulgence) with the minced garlic—this magic combo will coat the chicken in irresistible aroma. In the third, mix together the panko breadcrumbs with freshly grated parmesan and any optional herbs or spices you love. Everything is ready for the assembly line!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Working with one piece at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, tapping off any excess. Next, give it a lovely swim in the garlic oil mixture so all sides are coated with that garlicky goodness. Finally, press the tender into the panko-parmesan mixture, ensuring every nook gets a crunchy layer packed with flavor. Place coated tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet for optimal crispiness.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. This quick initial bake starts developing that beautiful crust while locking in juiciness. After 15 minutes, flip each tender so both sides get an even golden hue, and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re deeply golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Step 5: Serve and Savor!
Once out of the oven, transfer your GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS to a serving platter. They’re best enjoyed piping hot, so don’t forget your favorite dips or sauces for extra fun. Take a minute to admire those crispy parmesan bits clinging to every piece—you did it!
How to Serve GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil over the hot tenders perks up the plate with a burst of color and hint of freshness. For a little zing, try a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving, or even add some extra parmesan shavings—go ahead, make it fancy!
Side Dishes
GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS play well with just about anything. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette, classic fries or sweet potato wedges, or even buttery corn on the cob. For something lighter, roasted veggies or sautéed greens keep things balanced but hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these tenders as bite-sized skewers with several dips so guests can mix and match. For a lunch upgrade, slice them over Caesar salad or stuff them into wraps with crunchy slaw. Even tucked in a soft roll with some garlic mayo, they make amazing sliders for game nights or gatherings with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain their crispy coating.
Freezing
These tenders are totally freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or protein-packed snacks.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked crispiness, reheat GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until sizzling and hot throughout. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the coating a bit soft—unless you’re really short on time!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply cut chicken breasts into evenly sized strips and proceed with the recipe. Just watch your cooking time—a thicker strip may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven to reach juicy perfection.
Are these GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS gluten-free?
If you swap the white flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives, the recipe works just as well. The key is to choose crunchy gluten-free panko for the coating so you don’t miss out on that signature texture.
What dipping sauces pair best with these tenders?
Classic ranch or blue cheese are always winners, but honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo make delicious options. Even a simple marinara provides a great Italian-inspired twist for dipping.
Can I air-fry these chicken tenders?
Definitely! Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method makes GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS extra crispy with minimal oil.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading and press gently but firmly when coating each strip, especially with the panko mixture. Giving the coated tenders a little chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking can also help the coating stick better.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to enjoy the magic of these homemade GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS. They’re everything you want in comfort food—crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and all the creative ways you make them your own!
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GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, a delightful dish that promises to please every palate. Baked to crispy perfection, these tender chicken strips are coated in a savory garlic parmesan panko mixture that elevates the classic chicken tender to new heights. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also healthier than traditional fried options. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces or incorporate into salads and wraps for a versatile meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
Breading Mixture:
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken tenders for even cooking.
- Set up breading station: Prepare three bowls – one with flour, salt, and pepper; another with olive oil and minced garlic; and the last one with Panko breadcrumbs, dried basil, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the chicken: Coat each chicken tender in flour, dip in garlic oil, and then coat with the Panko mixture.
- Bake: Arrange coated tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes. Flip tenders and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (about 150g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
