Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a crispy garlic-Parmesan crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken but just as satisfying. Paired with a creamy fry sauce, they make for an irresistible appetizer, snack, or main course the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup white flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Famous Fry Sauce (optional)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. -
Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set out three shallow bowls:- Bowl 1: Combine white flour with ¼ teaspoon pepper and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to mix.
- Bowl 2: Mix olive oil (or melted butter) with minced garlic.
- Bowl 3: Combine Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and paprika.
-
Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Next, dip the floured tender into the garlic oil mixture. Finally, coat the tender in the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. -
Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip the tenders and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. -
Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like the famous fry sauce.
Notes
- Crispier Tenders: For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Dipping Sauce Options: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli if fry sauce isn’t available.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Panko mixture for a spicy kick.
- Storage Tip: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender§
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg