Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crunchy, golden perfection with rich, garlicky flavor, look no further than this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel special and weekends even more indulgent. The panko coating bakes up crisp without frying, while the fresh garlic butter and parmesan cheese take every bite to irresistible heights. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, these tenders deliver a juicy, flavorful hit that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these ingredients together is a breeze, and each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and taste for your Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe. From creamy mayo-based sauce to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, every component works beautifully together to elevate this simple meal.

• ½ cup (125 g) mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the dipping sauce ingredients together for that luscious finish.
• ⅓ cup (90 g) Greek yoghurt or sour cream: Brings a slight tang and lightness to the sauce, balancing richness perfectly.
• ½ tsp freshly minced garlic: Gives the sauce a fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with the parmesan.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and vibrant color to both sauce and garnish.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives: Adds subtle onion flavor to the dipping sauce, adding depth in a delicate way.
• ¼ tsp sea salt flakes: Enhances all flavors while providing a gentle, natural saltiness.
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a mild heat and aromatic complexity.
• 1½ cups (90 g) panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that unbeatable crunch that makes the chicken irresistibly crave-worthy.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Intensifies garlic flavor in the breading for consistent, savory notes.
• 1 tsp sweet paprika: Adds a whisper of smoky sweetness and a warm hue to the crust.
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes: Incorporated in the crumb mix to season every bite perfectly.
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Sprinkled within the crumbs to bring balance and subtle spice.
• ½ cup (75 g) plain (all-purpose) flour: Helps the coating adhere, creating that lovely base layer before egg wash.
• 2 eggs, whisked: Acts as the glue that binds the breading, ensuring a golden, even crust.
• 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken tenderloins (mini fillets) or sliced boneless, skinless breast: Tender, lean protein perfect for quick cooking and deliciously juicy results.
• Olive oil spray (for cooking): Helps the nuggets crisp beautifully in the oven or air fryer without excess fat.
• 50 g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the garlic butter glaze, bringing rich silkiness to the final touch.
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic: For the garlic butter, infusing the tenders with extra flavor right as they come out of the oven.
• ¼ tsp sea salt flakes: Seasoning for the butter glaze to highlight every component.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: Adds fresh color and an herbal brightness to the garlic butter.
• ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated parmesan (for sprinkling after baking): Melts atop the hot tenders, adding a salty, nutty finish.
• 1 large cos (romaine) lettuce, cut into strips: Creates a crisp, refreshing salad to accompany the richness of the chicken.
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Dresses the lettuce with elegance and subtle fruitiness.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Balances the salad with lively acidity.
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes: Enhances the salad’s natural flavors.
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to the greens.
• Air fryer chips, crispy oven fries or freezer fries: Classic sidekick for this meal, delivering that satisfying crunch.
• Lemon wedges: Served on the side for an extra pop of zing whenever you want it.

How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer

Getting your cooking device nice and hot is essential for crisp, golden tenders. Oven lovers, crank it to 220°C (425°F) and allow it to fully preheat for 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re air frying, just a quick 3-minute preheat at 200°C (400°F) will do the trick. This step sets you up for that dream texture that’s light, crunchy, and perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce

While the oven heats, mix up the creamy dipping sauce that’s about to become your chicken’s best friend. Simply combine mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt or sour cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until beautifully smooth and set aside so those flavors can meld into a fresh, tangy, garlicky dip bursting with herbal goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Crumb Coating

In a shallow bowl, blend the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Separately, have your flour and whisked eggs ready in their own bowls. This triple-station prep makes the breading process smooth, efficient, and ensures every tender is fully coated in deliciousness.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Tenderloins

Take each chicken tender and dust it with flour first; this creates a dry surface for the egg to cling to. Next, dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating adheres well. This meticulous layering is the secret to each bite’s satisfying crunch and golden hue.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry the Chicken

If baking, place the coated tenders on a lightly oiled rack over a tray or directly on a sprayed baking tray. Space them evenly, spray the tops with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 18 minutes at 220°C (425°F), flipping halfway and spraying again. Avoid exceeding 22 minutes to keep them juicy. For air frying, spray the basket and tenders well, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping and re-spraying halfway. Both methods yield beautifully golden, crispy tenders every time.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Glaze

While the chicken cooks, whisk melted butter, freshly minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and chopped parsley together. This luscious butter mixture will be brushed on the hot chicken, creating an irresistible glaze that seals in flavor and adds rich, garlicky shine.

Step 7: Finish with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

As soon as the tenders come out of the oven or air fryer, give them a generous brush of the garlic butter glaze. Immediately sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan; the heat will melt the cheese slightly, causing it to stick beautifully to the breading and boost the flavor to new levels.

Step 8: Toss a Fresh Cos Salad

Quickly toss romaine lettuce strips with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper for a crisp, refreshing side. This simple salad adds a cool, bright contrast to the warm, savory chicken tenders, keeping your plate balanced and vibrant.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your golden chicken tenders alongside the dipping sauce, crisp salad, a heap of your favorite fries or chips, and lemon wedges for that extra citrus burst. Dive in and savor the crunch, the garlic-parmesan richness, and the fresh accompaniments that make this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe utterly addictive.

How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra parmesan cheese right before serving adds that picture-perfect finishing touch that not only looks fantastic but adds fresh herbal brightness or salty depth with each bite. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a playful squeeze of zesty acidity whenever you want to freshen your palate mid-meal.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy air fryer chips or classic oven-baked fries for crunch and comfort. A light, crisp salad of chopped romaine tossed simply with lemon and olive oil balances the richness of the chicken beautifully, ensuring every mouthful feels lively and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these tenders as part of a shareable platter with an array of dipping sauces including spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or blue cheese dip. Alternatively, slice them into strips and scatter over a vibrant salad or loaded wraps for an easy, share-worthy lunch or picnic that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed prevents them from absorbing other fridge odors and keeps the coating as crisp as possible for reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture. This makes meal prep a breeze—simply reheat whenever you crave that garlicky parmesan goodness.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftover chicken tenders in a hot oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Reheating in an air fryer is also a fantastic option to re-crisp the coating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to the tenderloins for even cooking. The key is to maintain consistent thickness so the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out regular flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work well, giving you the same great texture without the gluten.

Can I prepare the crumbed chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge covered tightly for a few hours before cooking. However, for the crispiest results, it’s best to bake or air fry them soon after breading.

What’s the best way to get the coating extra crispy?

Using a wire rack during baking allows hot air to circulate evenly around the chicken tenders, helping the coating crisp up all around. Also, spraying olive oil lightly on top before cooking gives the panko that golden crunch.

Can I grill these chicken tenders instead?

While this recipe is designed for baking or air frying to achieve maximum crispness, you could try grilling them carefully after coating, but the crust won’t be as crunchy or hold as well. If grilling, consider using a grill basket or foil to avoid the coating falling off.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation for both casual meals and special occasions. The perfect harmony of crisp, garlicky, cheesy coating with tender juicy chicken inside is a delight everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy the deliciousness—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!

Print