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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-tenders/