Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken tenders 2 large eggs; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons melted butter Cooking spray

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a homemade finger food. Packed with flavor and oven-baked for ease, they rival any restaurant appetizer—without the need for frying. They’re golden, garlicky, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

These chicken tenders are family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly versatile. Serve them over salads, alongside pasta, or with your favorite dipping sauce for a cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting game day or meal-prepping lunches, they deliver every time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips work best for this recipe. The key is consistency in size to ensure even cooking. If you’re short on time, pre-cut chicken tenders from the grocery store are a great shortcut.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

1.5 pounds chicken tenders
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter
Cooking spray

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep Your Station

Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture (panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Add a Buttery Finish

Drizzle or brush melted butter over the tops of the tenders for extra crispiness. Lightly spray with cooking spray to help them brown beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let them rest a few minutes before serving. They pair well with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Serve hot, straight from the oven, with dipping sauces or alongside mashed potatoes and veggies for a complete meal. They’re also perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or chopped over Caesar salads.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. These also freeze well—just bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-safe version.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely! Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

What dipping sauces go best?

Ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even classic ketchup all work well.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Just cut boneless, skinless thighs into strips. They’ll be slightly juicier and just as delicious.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

Not necessary, but if you have time, a quick soak in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt can tenderize the chicken further.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If these garlic parmesan chicken tenders hit the spot, check out some other savory chicken recipes from the blog:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for something ultra-comforting.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re craving creamy, saucy goodness.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a no-fuss dinner fix.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to prep and forget.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for an easy dinner win.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board for easy reach anytime.

And when you try it, let me know! Did you add extra garlic? Maybe more cheese? Drop a comment and tell me how you made it your own.

Want more of my everyday kitchen experiments? Visit my Pinterest board Nina Dishes for fresh new meals weekly.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and golden—these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Baked to perfection, they make a versatile dish whether served solo or paired with your favorite sides or dips.

Instructions

1. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Dip each chicken strip in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Drizzle or brush melted butter over the tenders and lightly spray with cooking spray.

4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dip.