Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

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Crispy, cheesy, and infused with rich garlic flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the comfort food your dinner table’s been missing. Golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside—they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a game day snack fest, feeding picky eaters, or just want something irresistible, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Imagine hot-from-the-skillet chicken tenders with a parmesan crust that shatters on bite, served with a side of cool ranch or spicy marinara. It’s a perfect balance of texture and taste that turns this simple dish into a standout. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, yet satisfying enough to serve guests.

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What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders So Good?

The secret lies in the trifecta of flavor: fresh garlic, sharp parmesan, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs. Each tender is hand-coated and pan-fried to crispy perfection, ensuring a beautiful golden crust without sacrificing the juicy meat inside.

If you want a crispy finish every time, use panko breadcrumbs—they’re lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs and give the tenders their signature crunch. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty layer that melts slightly when cooked, making the crust extra crave-worthy.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the show. Go for fresh, skinless tenders or slice boneless chicken breasts into strips.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These are essential for that extra crunchy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan brings depth, saltiness, and that delicious cheesy pull.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the chicken with bold flavor. You can also add minced garlic for extra punch.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as the glue to hold the coating together.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Parsley: Optional garnish for a touch of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the breading stick better and enhances flavor.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In three separate bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and garlic powder in the third.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat

Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then egg, then firmly press into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. Let rest for a couple of minutes, sprinkle with extra parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.

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How to Store and Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are best served fresh and hot for maximum crunch, but they also store and reheat well.

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• To Freeze: Lay cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in an oven at 400°F.

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What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

1. Parmesan Baked Potatoes

A cheesy, savory side that pairs beautifully with crispy tenders. Try Parmesan Baked Potatoes.

2. Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken

The perfect creamy contrast to the crunchy tenders. Check out this recipe.

3. Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Comfort food meets crispy goodness. Get the recipe here.

4. Cheeseburger Soup

Warm, rich, and perfect as a hearty pairing. Find it here.

5. Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Add a surf-and-turf twist by serving alongside Cajun Shrimp.

6. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Make it a meal with pasta! Try this creamy carbonara.

7. Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Hearty, cozy, and flavor-packed—perfect for dipping tenders into. Check it out.

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Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you’re loving these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you’ll want to explore more favorites:

• Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for that golden Southern crunch.
• White Wine Parmesan Chicken with elevated elegance.
• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for cheesy comfort in every bite.
• Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken if you prefer a baked version.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni to take the garlic-parm love further.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this crispy garlic parmesan chicken idea to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime you crave that crunch.

Tried it with your own twist? Maybe a little chili flake kick or honey drizzle? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next obsession might just be a scroll away.

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