Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, flavorful coating without deep frying.
Juicy, tender chicken with a rich garlic-parmesan crust.
Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners or snacks.
Great for dipping in marinara, ranch, or garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
All-purpose flour
Eggs, beaten
Panko breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Butter, melted (for brushing or coating)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven or air fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air fryer: Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C).
Prepare the coating: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the chicken:
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
Bake or air fry:
- Oven: Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with melted butter or cooking spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Air fryer: Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165 °F / 74 °C).
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy garlic tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
Herb parmesan: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the coating for more aroma.
Cheesy twist: Mix mozzarella or pecorino with the parmesan for a richer flavor.
Keto-friendly version: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Buttermilk marinade: Marinate chicken in buttermilk and garlic overnight for extra tenderness.
Garlic butter drizzle: Brush freshly cooked tenders with melted garlic butter for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating: Air fry or bake at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Tip: To keep them crispy, reheat on a wire rack instead of a flat baking sheet.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just slice them into even strips so they cook evenly.

2. Can I make these without eggs?

You can substitute with buttermilk or melted butter for binding the coating.

3. How do I make them extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs and lightly spray with oil before baking or air frying.

4. Can I deep fry these chicken tenders?

Yes, fry at 350 °F (175 °C) for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. What type of parmesan is best?

Freshly grated parmesan offers the best flavor and texture.

6. Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.

7. Are these tenders kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The garlic parmesan flavor is mild and appealing to all ages.

8. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

9. What dipping sauces go well with these?

Ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or honey mustard all complement the flavors perfectly.

10. Can I bake these on foil instead of parchment paper?

Yes, but lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken strips. With a crunchy parmesan crust and a rich garlic aroma, they’re perfect for a quick meal, appetizer, or snack. Whether baked or air-fried, these tenders deliver comfort, crunch, and flavor in every bite—sure to become a new family favorite.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken strips are coated in a crunchy mix of parmesan, garlic, and herbs, then baked or air-fried to perfection for a lighter yet irresistible twist on a comfort classic.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked or Air Fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Coat each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Oven: Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Air fryer: Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor.
Add cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy version.
Brush with garlic butter after cooking for added richness.
Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 330
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 130mg