There’s something truly comforting about chicken tenders, isn’t there? They remind me of childhood dinners where crispy, golden bites were the highlight of the meal. Today, I want to share with you a recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy and quick to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a fun snack for game night, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Tender and juicy, perfect for quick cooking.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For that classic coating.
- 2 large eggs: To help the breadcrumbs stick.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Adds that crunchy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For rich, cheesy flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and flavor.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: To ensure they bake up crispy.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will save you from a messy cleanup later!
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. This is your first coating layer.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. This mixture is what will give your tenders that delicious flavor.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial for that crunchy texture!
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
- Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy the crispy goodness!
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to mix things up a bit, here are some tasty substitutions and additions you can try:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
- Add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful twist.
- Swap the chicken tenders for chicken breast cut into strips if you prefer.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a new flavor profile.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each tender some space to crisp up.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If you want to prep ahead, you can bread the chicken tenders earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
After enjoying these delicious tenders, you might have some leftovers! Here’s how to store them:
- Allow the tenders to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Absolutely! You can freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken tenders. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
These tenders pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a classic marinara sauce. Feel free to get creative!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still taste amazing!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Now that you have this easy and delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe in your arsenal, you’re all set for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends. For more delicious recipes, check out my blog or indulge in some mouthwatering Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more tasty ideas and inspiration!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Shallow bowls
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders Tender and juicy, perfect for quick cooking.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For that classic coating.
- 2 large eggs To help the breadcrumbs stick.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Adds that crunchy texture.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for rich, cheesy flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic minced, because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tsp salt Essential seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper A little kick.
- 1 tsp paprika Adds color and flavor.
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Step 4: In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
- Step 5: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Step 6: Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs.
- Step 7: Coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Step 8: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil.
- Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy the crispy goodness!
