Discover the crispy, savory delight of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, a recipe that combines tender chicken strips with a flavorful mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, creating an irresistible dish perfect for any meal or snack craving. These tenders bring the perfect balance of crunchy coating and juicy inside, making every bite a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection: The combination of breading and Parmesan cheese ensures a crunchy exterior that stays crispy with every bite.
Flavor Explosion: Garlic and herbs infuse the chicken tenders with a savory, aromatic taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Versatile Snack or Meal: Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders fit seamlessly into any dining occasion.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love the familiar yet exciting flavors in this dish, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders plays a vital role in delivering the dish’s signature taste and texture. From the fresh garlic enhancing flavor to the Parmesan contributing a nutty crunch, these basics come together effortlessly.

Chicken Tenders: The star protein, tender and quick to cook, providing a juicy and satisfying bite.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds bold, savory notes that elevate the flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a salty, nutty crunch that locks in the coating.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy crust that holds the flavors perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings a fragrant depth.
Eggs: Used as a binder to help the breading stick firmly to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other ingredients.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps achieve an even golden brown finish, whether baking or air frying.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

This recipe is super adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients or cooking methods based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Experimenting is part of the fun!

Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly option.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh twist.
Oven-Baked or Air-Fried: Choose either method to cook the tenders, depending on your preference for texture and convenience.
Dipping Sauces: Customize your dipping with ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy marinara to change the flavor profile.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Are Irresistible

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls—one with beaten eggs, one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and one empty for the coated tenders to rest before cooking. This setup makes the breading process efficient and mess-free.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender first into the egg to ensure adhesion, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to cover all sides evenly for that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Golden Perfection

Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil before air frying. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

After cooking, allow the tenders to rest for a couple of minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the coating crisp rather than soggy.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Fresh Garlic Matters: Use freshly minced garlic instead of powder for a vibrant, punchy flavor.
Don’t Skip the Pressing: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the tenders to prevent flaking off during cooking.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They deliver a lighter and airier crunch compared to regular crumbs.
Even Thickness: Pound chicken tenders gently to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
Serve Immediately: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed hot from the oven or air fryer for maximum crispiness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top adds a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these tenders with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes to balance the bold flavors and create a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack the tenders on a platter surrounded by dipping sauces in small bowls, or serve in a warm wrap with lettuce and tomatoes for a tasty handheld lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the crispy texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and cooking process for similar results.

Is it possible to bake these tenders without oil?

Yes, but using a light spray of oil helps achieve the best crispy texture; without it, they may turn out less crunchy.

How long do Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders take to cook?

They typically take about 15-20 minutes baked or 10-12 minutes air fried, depending on thickness and appliance.

What dipping sauces go well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, spicy marinara, or even a garlic aioli pair wonderfully with the tenders’ flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute standard breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a scrumptious, easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch to your table. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy classic comfort food with an exciting twist. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite that everyone asks to make again!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Print Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, savory chicken strips coated in a flavorful mixture of fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and panko breadcrumbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders deliver a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. Easy to make and family-friendly, they can be baked or air-fried to golden perfection.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (air frying)
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking or Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free panko)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 lb chicken tenders
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking

Olive oil or cooking spray, for baking or air frying

Instructions

Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with beaten eggs, one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and one empty bowl to place the coated chicken tenders. This organized setup makes the breading process efficient and clean.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs to ensure the coating sticks, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to cover all sides evenly, creating a crunchy crust that won’t flake off during cooking.
Cook to Crispy Golden Perfection: Arrange the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray or brush them with olive oil, or prepare your air fryer basket by spraying with cooking oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Let Them Rest: Once cooked, remove the tenders and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute inside the chicken and keeps the coating crisp rather than soggy.

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a vibrant, punchy flavor.
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken tenders to prevent flaking during cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, airier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Gently pound chicken tenders to uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Serve tenders immediately after cooking for best crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 tenders (approx. 150g)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, air fried chicken tenders, gluten free chicken, easy chicken recipe