The Crunchiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe Ever

Crispy garlic parmesan chicken tenders bring magic to your dinner table with a crunch that’ll make you smile.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this easy-to-make favorite.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and a delicious plate.

Tender chicken strips coated in a golden, cheesy breading promise pure comfort on a plate.

Garlic adds a punchy kick that makes these tenders irresistible for everyone at the table.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe will become your new go-to meal.

Serve these alongside a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders That Impress

• Unlock Incredible Flavor: Garlic and parmesan create a mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can easily coat chicken strips with two-bowl breading method, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior without deep-frying.
• Customize Your Meal: Versatile recipe works great as a main dish, appetizer, or protein addition to salads and can be adapted with different herbs and spices.
• Healthier Comfort Food Option: Baked instead of fried, these chicken tenders provide a lighter alternative to traditional restaurant-style versions while maintaining delicious crunch and taste.

Ingredients for Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts that will be transformed into crispy, flavorful tenders.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy breadcrumbs and savory cheese that create a crunchy, golden exterior.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic garlic that adds a rich, bold flavor to the chicken tenders.
• Italian Herbs: Fragrant herbs that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Eggs: Eggs that help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and provide a light, golden coating.
• Salt: A simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: A light drizzle that helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown finish.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Heat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Breasts

Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips. Consistent sizing helps guarantee even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 3: Create Magical Coating Stations

Set up two separate bowls for dipping:

• Eggs
• Salt

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Italian herb blend

Step 4: Dunk and Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.

Step 5: Arrange and Enhance

Place coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tops to promote golden browning and extra crispiness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through to ensure uniform crunchiness and beautiful golden color.

Chicken is done when exterior is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Every Time

• Ensure chicken strips are evenly sized for consistent cooking and crispy texture.
• Use fresh minced garlic for maximum flavor punch instead of pre-dried garlic powder.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breadcrumb mixture stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising crunch.
• Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese right after baking for an additional flavor boost and cheesy crust.

Flavorful Twists on Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Almond Chicken: Replace panko breadcrumbs with ground almond flour for a low-carb, gluten-free version that maintains crispiness.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders: Swap Italian herbs with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Parmesan Crust: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to create a high-protein, low-carb coating that's extra crispy.
• Air Fryer Quick Version: Cook chicken tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, reducing oil and cooking time while maintaining a crunchy exterior.

Pairings That Go Well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the crispy chicken.
• Whip up a quick aioli or ranch dressing with extra garlic and herbs to enhance the chicken's flavor profile and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that offers bright acidity to balance the parmesan's salty notes and the chicken's crispy texture.
• Prepare quick roasted asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs to add nutritious, colorful sides that complement the chicken's golden crunch.

Best Ways to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Fresh

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken tenders stay crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which traps moisture. Pat chicken dry before coating and use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch. Drizzling olive oil helps create a golden, crisp exterior.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into even strips, making sure they’re similar in size for consistent cooking. Thinner strips will crisp up faster and more evenly.

• What if I don't have Italian herbs?

No problem! Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Alternatively, use dried parsley or dried rosemary to add flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 34 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken tenders blend Italian flavors with crunchy American comfort. Crisp coating and rich cheese create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3.4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Italian herbs (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform strips, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking.
3. Craft two distinct coating stations: whisk eggs with a salt accent in one bowl, while blending panko, parmesan, finely chopped garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs in another.
4. Choreograph the coating process by first immersing each chicken strip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then generously roll in the herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to create a robust, textured crust.
5. Arrange the dressed chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation, then delicately drizzle with olive oil to enhance golden crispiness.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning and achieving a perfectly crisp exterior with a succulent interior.

Notes

• Select chicken tenders of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken strips completely dry before breading to help the coating stick better and achieve maximum crunchiness.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to maintain crispy texture.
• Enhance protein content by using almond flour or crushed nuts in breadcrumb mixture for keto-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 34
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg