Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan crust, perfect for a family dinner or appetizer.

This dish has become a favorite at our family gatherings because it combines crunch and flavor that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
• Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
• Wet Mixture: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
• Garlic Butter: 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted, 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• For Serving: Lemon wedges (optional), Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare breading:

Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

Mix wet ingredients:

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard in a second bowl.

Make garlic butter:

Mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Coat chicken:

Pat chicken tenders dry. Dip each tender first in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Arrange tenders:

Place breaded tenders on the baking sheet and brush with garlic butter.

Bake:

Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).

Serve:

Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

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My kids love helping me prepare these chicken tenders, making it a fun family activity.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper or nonstick spray, mixing bowls, whisk, pastry brush (optional), tongs

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan, butter), and wheat (panko breadcrumbs). Always verify allergen labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 375, total fat 17 g, carbohydrates 16 g, protein 39 g per serving

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These chicken tenders are sure to be a hit at any meal and easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve a crispy crust on the chicken tenders?

Using panko breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese and baking at 400°F helps create a crispy coating. For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end.

→ Can I substitute the Dijon mustard in the wet mixture?

Yes, Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, but you can replace it with yellow mustard or omit it if preferred, though this may slightly alter the flavor.

→ What are some suitable dipping sauces to serve with these tenders?

Marinara, ranch, and honey mustard sauces complement the garlic-Parmesan coating nicely, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

→ Is it necessary to brush the tenders with garlic butter before baking?

Brushing garlic butter adds extra moisture and rich flavor to the tenders, helping them brown evenly and taste more savory.

→ How can I ensure the chicken tenders are cooked safely?

Bake the tenders until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown, typically after 18-20 minutes at 400°F.