Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large eggs - ½ cup all-purpose flour - Salt and pepper to taste I choose chicken tenders for this recipe because they cook fast and stay juicy. Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crispy texture. I use grated Parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor. Fresh garlic adds a nice kick. Eggs help the coating stick, while flour gives an extra layer. - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 teaspoon paprika I love using dried Italian herbs for depth in flavor. Oregano, basil, and thyme work perfectly together. Paprika adds a mild warmth and a lovely color to the dish. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. They help round out the flavors nicely. - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling Cooking spray helps the tenders crisp up without adding too much fat. Olive oil also works well to enhance flavor and texture. A light drizzle before baking promotes even browning. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps with cleanup later. Next, measure out your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Mince the garlic, as fresh garlic adds great flavor. Set each ingredient in bowls, so they are easy to reach. Create a dredging station. Place flour in one bowl. In another bowl, beat the two eggs until mixed well. Take a chicken tender and coat it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the chicken in the egg wash. Make sure it’s fully coated. Now, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Press down lightly to help it stick. This step is key for that crispy texture. Place the coated chicken on your baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil on top. This helps with browning and adds flavor. Bake the chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and the coating golden brown. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve your chicken tenders warm. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with marinara sauce or creamy ranch for dipping. Enjoy your tasty and crispy meal! To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and create a crunchier crust than regular breadcrumbs. Ensure you coat each tender well. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. This helps the coating stick. Also, a light spray of olive oil before baking gives them a golden finish. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get crispy and brown. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some easy options. For chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture changes. For Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. No garlic? Use garlic powder instead, but adjust the amount to taste. You can also replace Italian herbs with your favorite dried herbs. Avoid skipping the flour step. Coating the chicken in flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. This can cause steam, making the tenders soggy. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. A hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy. Finally, resist the urge to open the oven door too often. Each time you do, heat escapes, which can affect cooking time and crispiness. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, always opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They provide a lighter and crispier texture. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your tenders an extra kick! Perfect Dipping Sauce: Pair these tenders with a homemade dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a classic honey mustard for a delicious contrast. {{image_2}} If you love heat, make spicy garlic parmesan chicken tenders. Just add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. Start with half a teaspoon. Taste the mix, and add more if needed. This small change gives your tenders a kick without losing the garlic and cheese flavor. Pair them with a cool ranch dip for balance. For a fresh twist, use different herbs. Try fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill. You can mix dried herbs too. Adding fresh or dried rosemary enhances the flavor profile. The key is to balance the herbs with the garlic and cheese. This makes the dish bright and aromatic. Experiment until you find your favorite combination. You can easily make these chicken tenders gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko. Almond flour or chickpea flour works well too. Just coat the chicken tenders with your choice of flour before dipping in eggs. Seasoning remains the same. These adjustments keep the tenders crispy and delicious while catering to gluten-free diets. After cooking your Garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to use parchment paper between layers to keep them crisp. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. To freeze, first let the chicken tenders cool. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay fresh for up to three months. This method helps maintain their crispy texture. When reheating, aim for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures they regain their crispiness. You can use an air fryer too! Set it to 375°F and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy your tasty meal! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders last about three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool before you seal them up. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to reheat them well before serving. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Just cut the breasts into strips. Make sure the strips are about the same size as the tenders. This way, they cook evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Several dipping sauces go great with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Here are a few favorites: - Marinara sauce for a classic touch - Creamy ranch dressing for a cool dip - Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor - Barbecue sauce for a smoky kick These sauces enhance the taste and make your meal even more fun! This blog post covered making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, from ingredients to tips. We explored essential items, seasonings, and cooking oils. The step-by-step guide ensured you could cook and serve delicious tenders. We shared tips for crispiness and ingredient substitutes to enhance your dish. Different variations, like spicy and gluten-free options, offer tasty twists. Lastly, storage tips help you keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders with these insights and watch your cooking skills shine!$

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in garlic and Parmesan for a flavorful bite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
to taste salt and pepper
to taste Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Set up a dredging station: In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Take each chicken tender and lightly coat it in flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Finally, roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to adhere the coating.
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to promote browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Arrange the chicken tenders on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a side of marinara sauce or creamy ranch for dipping.

Keyword chicken, crispy, garlic, Parmesan, tenders