Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs (large); 0.25 cup milk; 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs; 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted); 3 cloves garlic (minced)

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There are few things more comforting than a plate of golden, crispy chicken tenders. But when you coat them in buttery garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese, you take them from simple to unforgettable. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the kind of recipe that wins over picky eaters, impresses guests, and becomes a weeknight staple in no time.

These tenders are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and bursting with savory garlic-Parmesan flavor in every bite. Whether you bake them in the oven or finish them with a quick broil for extra crispness, this recipe delivers restaurant-style results right from your kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners, game nights, meal prep, or even party platters, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

There’s a reason this dish keeps trending across food blogs and Pinterest boards. It hits all the right notes:

Crispy coating without deep frying
Juicy, tender chicken every time
Bold garlic and Parmesan flavor
Simple pantry ingredients
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Easy to customize with spices and sauces

Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter than traditional chicken tenders while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Milk
Panko breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Unsalted butter (melted)
Fresh garlic (minced)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: flour, salt, pepper
- Bowl 2: eggs and milk, whisked
- Bowl 3: panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated tenders on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While chicken bakes, melt butter and mix with minced garlic.
Remove tenders from the oven, brush with garlic butter, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

The Secret to Ultra-Crispy Chicken Tenders

The key to perfect crispness lies in three things:

1. Dry Chicken
Moisture is the enemy of crunch. Pat the chicken dry before breading.

2. Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko creates lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.

3. Wire Rack Baking
Elevating the chicken lets hot air circulate underneath, giving you evenly crisp results without flipping constantly.

Garlic Parmesan Flavor Boost

Garlic and Parmesan are a classic duo for a reason. Parmesan brings salty, nutty umami, while garlic adds warmth and depth. Brushing the baked tenders with garlic butter at the end keeps the flavor bold without burning the garlic during baking.

You can adjust the garlic level depending on your taste. For extra garlicky tenders, add a pinch of roasted garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

Roasted potatoes or fries
Creamy mashed potatoes
Caesar salad
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Mac and cheese
Garlic butter pasta

For dipping sauces, try:

Ranch
Honey mustard
Garlic aioli
Marinara
Buffalo sauce

Variations You’ll Want to Try

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Tenders
Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

Air Fryer Version
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Cheesy Crust Upgrade
Use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra melt and stretch.

Gluten-Free Option
Swap flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Herb-Loaded Version
Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the coating for extra aroma.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crisp.
You can freeze breaded (uncooked) tenders for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.

Fun Food Facts: Garlic & Parmesan

Garlic has been used in cooking for over 5,000 years and was prized by ancient civilizations for both flavor and medicinal benefits.

Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) dates back to the Middle Ages in Italy and is still produced using traditional methods today. Its long aging process creates that rich umami flavor we love.

Together, they create one of the most crave-worthy flavor combinations in modern cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders should be at the top of your list. Crispy, juicy, garlicky, and cheesy in all the right ways, this dish proves you don’t need deep frying to get irresistible chicken.

From busy weeknights to weekend gatherings, these tenders deliver every time.