If you are searching for a deliciously simple weeknight meal that everyone will love, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute winner. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with the irresistible flavors of garlic and Parmesan, these chicken tenders are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a little comfort food with a gourmet touch. The beautiful golden crust and savory seasoning make every bite utterly satisfying, and the recipe is straightforward enough to whip up even on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is key, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each component plays a vital role in building that perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and color that you’ll find hard to resist.
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): Choose fresh and tender pieces for juicy results every time.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that gives the crust its signature taste.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Use regular or panko for crispiness; panko will yield a lighter crunch.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Delivers a warm, savory depth that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a touch of herbal brightness with familiar Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other seasonings.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to round out the flavor profile.
- Eggs (2 large): Act as a binding agent so the coating sticks perfectly to each tender.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the egg wash for an even coating layer.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): Drizzled on top for a golden, crispy finish and extra richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness when garnishing.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Workstation
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Setting up your workstation before you start helps make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix Your Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined; this mixture will help your coating adhere. In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dry mix is the flavor powerhouse that forms the crispy, savory crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, drop the tender into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently but firmly to make sure it’s completely coated. Place the breaded tenders onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Lightly drizzle the coated tenders with olive oil or melted butter to encourage browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through so they brown evenly on both sides.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness
For those who crave an ultra-crispy crust, set your oven to broil during the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but this step will elevate the texture beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a refreshing herbal note that balances the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or garlic roasted broccoli to keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by turning your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe into a wrap with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce. Another great idea is to chop the tenders and toss them atop a Caesar or mixed green salad for a protein-packed meal. You could also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for extra flavor fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner reheats.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a tasty meal ready to go.
Reheating
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe crispy when reheating, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This ensures the crust stays golden and crunchy rather than turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders and follow the same coating and baking steps. Just keep an eye on cooking time as thickness varies.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain that delicious crust without gluten.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While Parmesan cheese is key to this recipe’s flavor, you can experiment using dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit or replace butter with olive oil to make a dairy-free version.
How do I make the tenders extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular crumbs adds extra crunch. Also, broiling the tenders for the last couple of minutes helps create that irresistible crispiness.
What dips go well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe?
These tenders are versatile with dips like classic marinara, creamy ranch, tangy honey mustard, or even a spicy buffalo sauce. Choose your favorite or serve a few varieties for dipping fun.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, these crispy, cheesy tenders are sure to become a beloved favorite. Give them a try soon; once you experience that golden crust and garlicky goodness, you’ll keep coming back for more!
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
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken dish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Coated with a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, these baked tenders are golden and tender inside, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Drizzling and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for drizzling
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. This mixture will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Prepare coating mixture: In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to blend all flavors.
- Coat the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to create an even crust.
- Arrange and drizzle: Place each coated tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the tenders lightly with olive oil or melted butter, which helps them crisp up and brown nicely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time to ensure even golden-brown crispiness and thorough cooking.
- Optional broil for extra crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. These tenders are great with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard, and they also complement wraps or salads.
Notes
- Broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for extra crispiness.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard dip for added flavor variety.
- These tenders make a perfect protein addition to wraps or salads for versatile meals.
