If you’re after a dinner that’s irresistibly golden, crisp, and loaded with savory flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders will become your new obsession. They check every box: quick to prep, delightfully crunchy, perfectly seasoned with Parmesan and garlic, and perfectly juicy inside. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or hoping to impress guests, this recipe belongs in your collection. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders deliver on comfort, kid appeal, and grown-up flavor, all in one crave-worthy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these chicken tenders is how each simple ingredient brings something essential to the table—crunch, tenderness, or that knockout garlic-parmesan punch. Here’s what makes this recipe outstanding:
- Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Get them already trimmed or easily slice chicken breasts for the perfect size and texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These deliver the supreme crispy coating everyone loves; regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko truly shines.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This isn’t just for flavor—it helps create those irresistible cheesy, crunchy edges and delivers nutty richness.
- Garlic powder: The essential ingredient that gives these tenders their signature flavor kick without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the flavors and brings a hint of freshness to every bite.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances both the chicken and the crispy, cheesy coating.
- Black pepper: A little bit goes a long way to add subtle warmth and balance to the seasonings.
- Eggs: These help everything stick for maximum crunch and ensure the breading clings to every inch.
- All-purpose flour: The first layer in your breading assembly line—it acts as “glue” for the coating.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Brushing or drizzling these on top gives that golden color and even more flavor—plus extra crispiness as they bake.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a touch of color and fresh flavor that makes everything look (and taste) restaurant-quality.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station
Before you even touch the chicken, get organized by lining up three shallow bowls. In the first, add the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Having everything ready makes breading a breeze and keeps mess to a minimum once you start handling the chicken.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
This is where the transformation happens. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, lightly coating all sides. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so every bit is covered. This triple-layer approach ensures the best crunch and maximum flavor in your finished garlic parmesan chicken tenders.
Step 3: Arrange and Add Extra Crunch
Place each perfectly coated chicken tender on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them enough space so the hot air can circulate and crisp them up evenly. Just before baking, lightly brush or drizzle each tender with olive oil or melted butter. This little step guarantees a golden, crisp finish that’s totally irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 400°F oven. About halfway through baking—after 9 or 10 minutes—flip each chicken tender to help both sides brown evenly. Bake for a total of 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is a deep, gorgeous gold. If you’re after even more crunch, give them a quick broil at the very end.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders come out of the oven, shower them with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if you like. The fresh green doesn’t just look pretty—it adds a whisper of herbal brightness that really completes the dish. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and extra crispy.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a game-changer—it makes the tenders pop visually and adds a fresh accent against all that rich cheese and garlic. If you’re feeling fancy, try a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. A little lemon zest or fresh-cracked black pepper will bring out even more flavor in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Side Dishes
Creamy dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or even warm marinara sauce are all ideal partners for these crispy tenders. For a full meal, serve them with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad. Want something fun? Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with classic mac and cheese or grilled vegetables for all-ages comfort food at its best.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation turns these chicken tenders from snack to showstopper. Arrange them on a platter with a rainbow of dipping sauces for a party appetizer. Or stuff them into a crusty roll with lettuce and tomatoes for a gourmet sandwich. You can even slice them and toss onto a Caesar salad for a protein-packed lunch. No matter how you serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”), stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days. Keep the tenders separate from any dips or sauces to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Want to save time for future cravings? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making quick dinners or snacks a snap whenever you need them.
Reheating
To reheat, place tenders on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven until hot and crisp, about 8–10 minutes. For a smaller batch, an air fryer works like a charm, reviving that just-baked crunch without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended because they provide a lighter, crispier texture, but the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders will still taste fantastic with regular crumbs.
Is it possible to make these tenders gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Double-check your Parmesan and spices, but otherwise, the recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. You’ll also see the exterior turn golden-brown and crispy. Cutting into a tender should reveal juicy, opaque meat with no pink in the center.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
You sure can! Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. They come out extra crispy and cook a bit faster than in the oven.
What sauces pair well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
These tenders go wonderfully with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a spicy buffalo dip. Serve a few options for dipping at the table to please every palate!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for dinner to be the highlight of your week, you need to try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. They’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, surprisingly easy, and loaded with crave-worthy flavor. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be coming back for more!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a family-friendly meal. Coated in a savory blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, these chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing or drizzling)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg