There’s something irresistible about crispy, golden chicken tenders—especially when they’re coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan crust. This garlic parmesan chicken tenders recipe combines the rich, savoury taste of garlic with the nuttiness of parmesan, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The best part? These tenders are baked, not fried, so you can enjoy the crispy crunch without the extra calories and mess of deep frying. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
For this crispy baked chicken tenders recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create a flavorful, crunchy coating with a tender chicken interior.
Chicken:
- 1 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders
The chicken is the foundation of this dish, so it’s important to choose high-quality, fresh tenders. These are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and provide a satisfying, juicy bite every time.
Breading:
- 1/2 cup white flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
The flour mixture forms the base layer of the breading, while the Panko adds the all-important crisp texture. Parmesan cheese infuses a cheesy richness and depth of flavour into the crust, making these tenders extra special.
Flavour and Cooking:
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
The garlic, basil, and paprika give the tenders a bold and aromatic kick. The olive oil or butter ensures the coating becomes golden and crispy in the oven, creating that signature crunch.
Optional:
- Fry sauce for dipping
If you’re a fan of dipping sauces, fry sauce is an excellent choice. It’s tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet, complementing the garlic parmesan flavor perfectly.
Equipment
To make this recipe as smooth as possible, a few kitchen tools will come in handy:
- Utopia Kitchen Cooking Knives – These are used to trim the chicken tenders and chop garlic.
- Microplane Grater – This is used to finely grate the parmesan cheese.
- Nordic Ware Baking Sheet – A sturdy baking sheet that ensures even cooking of your chicken tenders.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan
Trim the Chicken Tenders: Start by removing any excess fat from the chicken tenders. This helps ensure that your tenders bake evenly and are tender inside without any chewy, fatty bits.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high temperature will help achieve the crispy, golden texture that we’re after.
Setting up the Breading Station: To make the breading process smooth, set up three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Combine 1/2 cup of flour with salt and pepper. This is your first layer of coating.
- Bowl 2: Mix 6 tablespoons of olive oil (or melted butter) with 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. This garlic butter mixture will coat the chicken and infuse it with flavour.
- Bowl 3: Combine 1 cup of Panko, 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. This is the final crispy coating that gives the chicken tenders that golden crunch.
Breading the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the garlic butter mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, and then dip it into the Panko mixture. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick well, and place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet.
Cooking: Place the chicken tenders on a lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip each tender over and cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the tenders are cooked through and perfectly crispy on both sides.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
These garlic parmesan chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but the right dipping sauce can elevate the flavour even further. Here are a few options to consider:
- Ketchup – A classic, especially for kids.
- Honey Mustard – The sweetness balances the savoury garlic parmesan perfectly.
- Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce – Adds a smoky, tangy flavour.
- Fry Sauce – A creamy, tangy option that pairs wonderfully with the tenders.
- Ranch Dressing – The coolness of the ranch complements the heat from the garlic.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Why Your Chicken Might Not Be Crispy Enough
- If your tenders aren’t crispy, it may be due to excess moisture on the chicken or overcrowding on the baking sheet. Be sure to pat the chicken tenders dry before breading, and give them space on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Ensuring Even Cooking
- To avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The perfect temperature is 165°F (74°C). Don’t forget to flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- How to Keep Your Chicken Tenders Juicy and Tender Inside
- Baking instead of frying helps keep the chicken tender while still giving it a crispy exterior. If you’re concerned about the tenders drying out, consider using melted butter or olive oil in the breading, which will help lock in moisture while baking.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
These crispy baked chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas:
- Perfect Sides: Serve your tenders with roasted vegetables, crispy fries, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Delicious Dipping Sauces: Enhance the garlic parmesan flavour with any of the dipping sauces mentioned earlier.
- Turn it Into a Platter: Create a snack platter with your garlic parmesan chicken tenders, adding sides like coleslaw, pickles, or even a few slices of crusty bread.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Flavour Boost: For an extra burst of flavour, try adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces like spicy buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing to add variety.
- Scaling the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, doubling or tripling the recipe is easy to do. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets to ensure the tenders cook evenly.
More Chicken Recipes To Try
If you love these garlic parmesan chicken tenders, here are more chicken recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Spicy Chicken Creamy Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet
People Also Ask
Can I Make Chicken Tenders Without the Garlic Butter?
Yes! You can substitute the garlic butter with a simple olive oil mixture or even a buttermilk bath for added tenderness.
How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked tenders. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These crispy baked chicken tenders with garlic parmesan offer the perfect balance of crunch and cheesy flavour. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to make it your own. With a few simple tips, you can achieve perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders every time.