If you are searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that delivers a satisfyingly crispy coating, juicy meat, and a flavor punch in every bite, let me introduce you to your new favorite recipe: Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders. These tenders marry golden crunch with the savory depth of real Parmesan cheese and the unmistakable aromatic kick of garlic. Every time I bake them up, they vanish almost instantly—perfect for kid-friendly dinners, game days, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Let’s see why these chicken tenders deserve a spot on your regular rotation.

Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders is how a handful of accessible ingredients work together to create unbeatable flavor and texture. Together, they form layers of crunch, juiciness, and bold taste—each one playing a crucial role!

Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken, yielding juicy tenders every time.
Large eggs: Binds the breading and helps the coating adhere for the crispiest crust.
White flour: Creates the foundation for a golden, crunchy exterior.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, savory depth and boosts the cheesy flavor throughout.
Bread crumbs: Bring extra crunch and help brown the coating in the oven.
Garlic powder: The star of the show, infusing every bite with irresistible garlicky aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but feel free to adjust to your personal preference.
Baking powder: Adds an airy lift to the breading, ensuring it puffs slightly for extra crunch.
Onion powder: Offers sweet, savory depth that rounds out the overall flavor.
Ground paprika: Not only brings mild, smoky spice but also gives the coating a beautiful color.
Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
Chicken tenders: The perfect cut for quick, even cooking and kid-friendly eating.
Butter: Baking with butter gives the tenders their trademark golden, flavorful crust.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C) for that essential hot blast that creates a crisp, golden crust. Place a dark roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet (skip the non-stick) inside to warm up—this little trick helps ensure the bottoms of your Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders get irresistibly crunchy, not soggy.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until the mix is smooth and uniform. This creamy bath not only helps the dry breading stick to every nook and cranny, but also infuses the chicken with moisture for unbeatable tenderness.

Step 3: Mix Up the Parmesan Breading

In another bowl, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, baking powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Blend well to evenly disperse all those seasonings and cheese shreds—this is the magic mix that makes Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders unforgettable!

Step 4: First Coat in Flour Mix

Toss each chicken tender in the dry flour-Parmesan mixture to give them a light, even base coat. This first layer helps everything adhere and ensures beautiful coverage.

Step 5: Dunk in Egg Mixture

Next, dip each floured chicken piece into your egg-buttermilk blend, making sure every side is well-saturated but not overly dripping. This helps the next layer of breading cling and creates an extra cushion of crunch.

Step 6: Second Coat for Extra Crunch

Return the egg-coated tenders to the dry Parmesan breading. Press down with the back of a spoon to flatten slightly and really pack on a thick, textured layer. Don’t forget to mound some extra mixture under and over each piece—generosity pays off here for that signature extra-thick crust!

Step 7: Pan and Butter Up

Carefully remove your preheated pan from the oven (watch out, it’s hot!) and melt two-thirds of the butter directly on the surface. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, not crowding them. Dot each piece with the remaining butter—this secret step is what makes Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders so wondrously golden and crisp.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Flip

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the bottoms are beautifully golden and crisp. Gently flip each tender using an offset spatula to help keep that thick breading intact.

Step 9: Bake Again and Broil for Crispiness

Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, depending on chicken thickness, until the other side is also golden. For a final touch, broil the tenders for 2-3 minutes to achieve maximum crunch and even more gorgeous color.

Step 10: Let Them Rest

Transfer the finished Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders to a wire rack and let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the breading crisp as the juices settle, rewarding you with perfect bites from edge to center.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a shower of extra grated Parmesan takes these Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders from tasty to truly irresistible. For even more personality, add a dash of crushed red pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.

Side Dishes

These tenders shine alongside classic sides like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or a generous pile of roasted veggies. Pair them with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, or venture into honey-mustard or garlicky aioli territory for a flavor-packed meal. They’re equally at home topping a vibrant Caesar salad when you want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, cut the Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders into bite-sized pieces for party platters or stuff them into warm wraps with crunchy lettuce and creamy sauce. Try tossing them atop flatbreads or inside sliders—you’ll find the crispy texture and bold flavor shine any way you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra tenders (lucky you!), let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days without losing too much of their crispy allure.

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders freeze beautifully! Lay completely cooled tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can reheat just a few at a time whenever you crave that homemade crunch.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated or frozen tenders in a hot oven (425°F/220°C) for 8-10 minutes until sizzling and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that impeccable crunch!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Simply slice chicken breasts into uniform strips to mimic tenders. Just make sure all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking and perfect Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders every time.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and either gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for the coating. The result is just as crunchy and flavorful as the original.

Can I substitute another cheese for Parmesan?

While Parmesan is key to the signature flavor, feel free to swap in finely grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different cheesy twist in your Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders.

Can I air-fry these chicken tenders?

You sure can! Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer, mist with a bit of oil, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust gets just as golden and crisp.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressings work wonders, but try marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy honey for a fun twist. These Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders truly pair well with a range of sauces.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, making Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders at home is every bit as fun as it is delicious. Every batch delivers that craveable crunch and cheesy, garlicky goodness your friends and family will request again and again. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making extra, “just in case”!

Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The chicken is coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spices, then baked to crispy perfection. Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty dinner or snack.

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Place a dark roasting pan without a non-stick coating (or a rimmed baking sheet) in the oven to heat.
Prepare egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
Prepare dry flour mixture: In another bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, baking powder, and seasonings.
Bread the chicken:
1. First, lightly coat all the chicken pieces by tossing them in the dry flour mixture.
2. Then, generously coat the chicken by dipping them into the egg mixture.
3. Finally, coat each piece again in the dry flour mixture, ensuring a thick layer. Be sure to have enough of the mixture under each piece of chicken to prevent sticking, and generously cover the top with the flour mix. Use the back of a tablespoon to press the breading onto the chicken, flattening the pieces slightly for even thickness and a thick coating.
Bake:
1. Remove the heated pan from the oven and melt two-thirds of the butter on it. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the pan and dot with the remaining butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
2. Carefully flip the chicken using an offset spatula to prevent the breading from falling off, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
3. Finish by broiling for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Rest: Carefully transfer the chicken from the pan to a cooling rack. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Tenders, Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Parmesan Chicken