Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a classic recipe that brings together succulent chicken, sharp Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic for a delightful flavor explosion. I remember the first time I made them for my family—they disappeared before we even sat down! This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, casual gatherings, or even a cozy family brunch. Plus, the combination of crispy breadcrumbs and cheesy goodness makes these tenders hard to resist.
Reasons to Try It
There are so many reasons to whip up these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. First, they are quick to prepare—ideal for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Second, the ingredients are budget-friendly, and you might already have them in your pantry.
Kids and adults alike love the crispy coating paired with the savory cheese and garlic flavors, making it an unbeatable family favorite. You’ll find that these tenders are an excellent choice for meal prep, as they reheat beautifully, keeping their crunch and flavor intact.
"These chicken tenders are the best! My kids beg for them every week. They’re crispy, cheesy, and so flavorful!" – A happy home cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is straightforward and can be broken down into just a few simple steps. First, you’ll coat the chicken with a mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Then, it’s all about getting that chicken perfectly baked to a golden brown. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it will also impress your family with home-cooked goodness.
What You’ll Need
To create these delicious tenders, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- Garlic (minced)
- Breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
Feel free to substitute with chicken breast cut into strips if tenderloins aren’t available, and adjust the garlic to suit your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
- Dredge each tenderloin into the garlic Parmesan mixture, pressing down to ensure they’re well coated.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
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Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is half the fun! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful:
- Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Try these tenders in a wrap with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a tasty sandwich.
- For a comforting side, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain the crispness of your chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooked and cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, use an oven to restore the crunch—microwaving will lead to sogginess.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure to finely mince the garlic to distribute the flavor evenly across the tenders.
- If you want an extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes before baking to get it to room temperature—this helps it cook more evenly.
Creative Twists
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is that there’s room for creativity! Here are some variations to switch things up:
- Sprinkle some Italian herbs like oregano and basil into the breadcrumb mixture for an added herby flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Swap out the Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking will take another 15-20 minutes, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 30-35 minutes.Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips that are about the same size as the tenderloins.How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this will lead to dryness. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Succulent chicken tenders coated with sharp Parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic, baked to perfection for a crispy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel.
- Dredge each tenderloin into the garlic Parmesan mixture, pressing down to ensure they’re well coated.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, garlic, Parmesan, crispy, easy recipe