Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with savory flavor — the perfect comfort food that’s quick to make! 🧄🧀
Here’s an easy version that can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried:
🍗 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing or air frying)
Optional Garlic Butter Sauce (for extra flavor):
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) (or air fryer to 380°F / 190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Set up dredging stations
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the chicken
Dip each chicken strip in:
- Flour →
- Egg →
- Breadcrumb mixture.
Press gently so the coating sticks.
4. Bake or air fry
- Oven: Place tenders on the sheet, brush lightly with melted butter or oil.
Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. - Air fryer: Spray with oil and air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
5. (Optional) Garlic butter finish
In a small pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 sec).
Brush or toss cooked tenders with garlic butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley.
🌿 Tips
- For extra crispiness: toast panko in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before using.
- To make it spicy: add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
- Great with ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara for dipping.
Would you like me to give you a baked-only healthy version or a crispy fried restaurant-style version next?
