Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring crispy chicken tenders coated with a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick dinner or party appetizer, these tenders are tender on the inside with a crunchy, garlicky crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Other
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken tender thoroughly in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even layer for the breading to stick.
- Dip in Eggs: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully coated to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley, mixing well to create a flavorful crust.
- Coat Chicken: Roll each egg-coated tender in the breadcrumb mixture until it is completely covered, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the melted unsalted butter over them for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and attractive presentation.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Substitute melted butter with olive oil for a slightly different flavor and a dairy-free option.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
