Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful garlic buttery coating, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. This recipe transforms simple chicken tenders into a mouthwatering treat that’s incredibly easy to whip up and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any meal or snack time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Crunchy Perfection: The crispy breading gives each tender an irresistible crunch with every bite.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese offers a deeply savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course, snack, or party appetizer, it suits all occasions seamlessly.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to get picky eaters excited about chicken with familiar, comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each item plays a vital role—from the tender chicken to the buttery garlic sauce—that together create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish, these provide a tender and juicy base that cooks quickly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of aromatic flavor that soaks into every bite.
• Butter: Used to create the rich, buttery garlic sauce that coats each tender wonderfully.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides the essential crunch and texture in the coating, preferably panko for extra crispiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps in frying to a golden brown while adding a subtle fruitiness.
• Eggs: Used to bind the breading to the chicken tenders securely.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs bring depth and balance to the overall flavor.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations and make the dish truly your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading for an exciting heat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almonds.
• Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and Parmesan crisps for coating instead of bread crumbs.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the breading for a fresh herbal note.
• Oven-Baked Version: Skip frying by baking the tenders for a lighter but equally tasty option.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and a third with a mix of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg wash, and finally into the Parmesan bread crumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add freshly minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then toss the cooked chicken tenders in the garlic butter to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and finely chopped parsley on top for a final touch, then serve while warm for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the most vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook tenders in batches to maintain the crispiness and even cooking.
• Press Coating Firmly: Gently pressing the bread crumb mixture onto the chicken ensures a crunchy crust.
• Butter Temperature: Add garlic to melted butter off the heat if you want a milder garlic flavor—too much heat can make it bitter.
• Rest Before Serving: Let tenders rest for a minute after coating with garlic butter to bloom the flavors.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or basil leaves are simple but effective garnishes that add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes, providing complementary textures and flavors that round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a basket lined with parchment paper for a casual look, or plate with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce trio—ranch, marinara, and honey mustard—for an impressive appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover garlic parmesan chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Arrange cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months; this prevents them from sticking together.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before breading; excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking.

Is it possible to bake the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

As a substitute, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese works well for a similar nutty and salty flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip or replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What dipping sauces pair well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

Honey mustard, ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara sauces are all fantastic choices to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delightful mix of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful that anyone can master at home. Whether you’re feeding a family, looking for a quick snack, or hosting friends, this recipe delivers every time. Go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite dish!

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