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
Scale
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.
