Description
Crispy garlic parmesan chicken tenders merge Italian-inspired flavors with comforting American cuisine, delivering a mouthwatering experience that elevates classic finger food. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these tenders will become your new favorite weeknight dinner companion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) chicken tenders
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Coating and Binding:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400°F (200°C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Create a savory coating by thoroughly combining grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow mixing bowl.
- Melt butter completely, then individually dunk each chicken tender, ensuring full coverage with the liquid fat.
- Roll the butter-coated chicken tenders into the seasoned Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely and create a uniform, crispy exterior.
- Carefully arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between pieces to ensure even browning and crisp texture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior turns golden brown and crunchy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Plate immediately with your preferred dipping sauce, serving while the chicken remains hot and crisp.
Notes
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version.
- Enhance protein content by using Greek yogurt instead of melted butter for a lighter, tangier coating that keeps chicken incredibly moist.
- Experiment with herb variations like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s crispy texture.
- Prep chicken tenders ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking to develop deeper, more intense garlic and Parmesan flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg