Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

In our house, weeknight dinners need to be two things: delicious and doable. Let’s be honest, after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated, time-consuming meal. That’s where these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders come in – they are an absolute game-changer! From the first bite, my family was hooked. The crispy, golden breading, infused with garlic and parmesan, gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside. Even my pickiest eater (my youngest, who usually approaches chicken with suspicion) devoured them! This recipe is not just easy to make; it’s incredibly flavorful and versatile. We’ve had them as a main course with sides, tossed them in salads, and even tucked them into wraps for lunch the next day. Trust me, once you try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, they’ll become a regular star in your dinner rotation. Prepare for requests for seconds (and thirds!), because these crispy, cheesy delights are truly irresistible.

Ingredients

This recipe utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast Tenders: 2 lbs. These are the star of the show! Look for pre-cut tenders to save time, or you can easily cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch thick.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. This forms the base of our crispy breading and helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: 2 cups. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs will also work.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup. Use finely grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated is always preferred, but pre-grated will also do in a pinch.
• Garlic Powder: 2 tablespoons. Provides that signature garlic punch that complements the parmesan perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon. Adds a blend of herbs for depth of flavor and aroma.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Contributes a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the breading.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice and balances the richness.
• Eggs: 2 large. Act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the flour-coated chicken.
• Milk: ¼ cup. Thins the egg wash slightly, creating a lighter coating.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For baking or air frying. Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish. Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
• Garlic Butter (optional): For drizzling after cooking. Enhances the garlic flavor and adds richness (recipe below).

Optional Garlic Butter:

• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted.
• Minced Garlic: 2 cloves.
• Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders every time:

1. Preheat Your Oven (or Prepare Air Fryer): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an air fryer, preheat it to 380°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and the breading becomes beautifully crispy.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk to create the egg wash. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture. This is where the magic happens – all those delicious flavors will coat our chicken!
3. Bread the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour, making sure to coat all sides and shake off any excess flour. The flour layer helps the egg wash stick better. Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the egg-washed chicken tender in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Coat all sides evenly for maximum crispiness and flavor. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.
4. Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet (or Air Fryer Basket): If baking in the oven, lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking and result in soggy tenders. If using an air fryer, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
5. Bake (or Air Fry) to Perfection: For oven-baked chicken tenders, bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). For air fryer chicken tenders, air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Air fryers tend to cook faster and crispier, so keep an eye on them.
6. Make Optional Garlic Butter (While Chicken Cooks): If you’re making the garlic butter, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve and Enjoy!: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven or air fryer. If using, drizzle the optional garlic butter over the hot chicken tenders. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional). Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 4 tenders – Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: 4 Chicken Tenders
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal. Provides energy to fuel your day.
• Protein: 35-45 grams. Essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Fat: 20-30 grams. Includes healthy fats from olive oil and parmesan cheese.
• Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams. Primarily from the breadcrumbs and flour.
• Sodium: 500-700 mg. Varies depending on salt added and parmesan cheese.

Preparation Time

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights and comes together quickly!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes. Includes chopping chicken (if needed), setting up breading stations, and breading the chicken.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (oven) or 12-15 minutes (air fryer). Baking or air frying until golden brown and cooked through.
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes. From start to finish, a delicious and satisfying meal in under an hour!

How to Serve

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Main Course:
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.
  • Pair with classic sides like:
    • French fries or sweet potato fries
    • Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
    • Macaroni and cheese
    • Coleslaw or potato salad
    • Corn on the cob
    • Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
• Salad Topper:
  • Slice the chicken tenders and add them to a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad for a protein boost.
  • They are especially delicious on a spinach salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Chicken Tender Wraps or Sandwiches:
  • Wrap them in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.
  • Use them as a filling for slider buns or mini burger buns with toppings.
• Pasta Dishes:
  • Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces and toss them with pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce or a light tomato sauce.
  • They are a great addition to baked ziti or lasagna.
• Appetizer or Party Snack:
  • Serve them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
  • Cut them into smaller pieces for bite-sized finger food.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders from good to absolutely amazing with these helpful tips:

1. Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crisp: For the ultimate crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is coarser than regular breadcrumbs and creates a lighter, crispier coating. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you can still achieve crispiness, but panko is highly recommended.
2. Don’t Skip the Flour Dredge: The flour coating is crucial for the breading to adhere properly. It creates a slightly tacky surface that helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick, resulting in a better, more even coating.
3. Season Every Layer: Season the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Layering the seasoning ensures that every bite is flavorful, not just the breading.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet or Air Fryer: Give the chicken tenders space to breathe! Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of bake or air fry, leading to soggy bottoms and uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
5. Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Flipping the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning and crisping on both sides. This is especially important for oven baking.
6. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan (If Possible): Freshly grated parmesan cheese has a richer, more pronounced flavor and melts better into the breadcrumb mixture. While pre-grated parmesan is convenient, freshly grated will take the flavor up a notch.
7. Adjust Spices to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste preferences. Want more garlic flavor? Add more garlic powder or even some granulated garlic. Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
8. Make Ahead and Reheat: You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2-3 hours before cooking. You can also cook them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again. Reheating instructions are in the FAQ section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get all your burning questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders answered here!

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of tenders?

A: Yes, absolutely! If you can’t find chicken tenders, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut the breasts into strips about 1-inch thick to resemble tenders. Just make sure they are uniformly sized for even cooking.

Q2: Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily make these gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are many great gluten-free breadcrumb options available in most supermarkets.

Q3: Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?

A: Yes, this recipe provides instructions for both baking and air frying. Baking in the oven will still yield delicious results, although air frying tends to produce a slightly crispier texture in less time. Follow the baking instructions in the recipe for oven-baked tenders.

Q4: How do I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

A: Store leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, let them cool completely before storing.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken tenders to keep them crispy?

A: The best way to reheat leftover chicken tenders and maintain their crispiness is to reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket and reheat for about 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Q6: Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

A: Yes, you can freeze cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Q7: Can I add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture with other seasonings you enjoy. Some delicious additions include onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper for a kick, or even a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations!

Q8: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time for a party?

A: Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken tenders ahead of time for a party. Bread them as instructed and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 hours before baking or air frying. This can save you time and stress on the day of your party! Just remember to cook them fresh for the best quality and crispiness.

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