Introduction
As a passionate baker and home cook, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a dish that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please. Chicken tenders are always a crowd favorite in my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s a perfect blend of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness—Mouthwatering Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan.
These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan mixture that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or looking for a quick and delicious snack, this recipe is the one to keep in your rotation.
Part 1: A Short Story About the Recipe
Chicken tenders have always been one of my go-to comfort foods. I remember the first time I made this garlic parmesan version—it was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something hearty but not too heavy. I had some chicken tenders in the fridge and a handful of garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumbs. A few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity later, this recipe was born.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Versatile: You can enjoy these chicken tenders as a meal, snack, or appetizer. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even dip them in your favorite sauce for an added twist.
Budget-friendly: With minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe won’t break the bank. Chicken tenders are affordable, and the garlic parmesan coating adds flavor without requiring fancy ingredients.
Ingredients for the recipe:
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1 pound chicken tenders
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1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
This recipe is simple and can be customized to suit your preferences. Add more garlic if you love its bold flavor, or adjust the parmesan cheese for a sharper taste. Let’s dive into the steps on how to make these mouthwatering tenders next!
Part 2: How to Make This Recipe
Now that you know what makes these chicken tenders so irresistible, let’s talk about how to bring them to life in your kitchen. These tenders are easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps. The best part? You can customize the flavors and have them ready in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken tenders. If you’ve bought pre-cut tenders, great! If you’re using chicken breasts, simply cut them into long strips. Make sure the tenders are about the same size so they cook evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
Next, set up your dipping stations. In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth. This will act as the binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated on all sides. Repeat this process with each piece of chicken.
This is where you can get creative! If you want an extra crunch, double dip the tenders—first into the egg and breadcrumbs, then back into the egg and breadcrumbs again.
Step 4: Cook the Tenders
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary. Cook each tender for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You want the tenders to be cooked through and crispy on the outside.
If you prefer baking, you can also bake these tenders. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. If you baked them, just transfer them directly to a serving dish.
Now comes the best part—the garlic parmesan finishing touch. While the tenders are still hot, sprinkle them generously with more grated parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle them with a little extra olive oil to give them a glossy, flavorful finish. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tenders immediately while they’re still warm. You can pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or even a homemade marinara sauce for dipping. These chicken tenders are perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or snack.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You can also swap out the parmesan cheese for another hard cheese like Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor. Add fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, such as basil or thyme, for an herbaceous twist. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Guests
These chicken tenders are perfect for serving guests. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also easy to make in large batches. You can even serve them as part of a larger spread with other appetizers or sides. They’re always a hit at parties, and even picky eaters will love them!
Now that you know how to make these mouthwatering chicken tenders, it’s time to get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious they are. Enjoy!
Part 3: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time. You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours before cooking and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. This will help the breading set and stay intact during cooking. If you prefer to bake them later, you can even freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to arrange the breaded tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use regular chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders. Simply cut the chicken breast into strips or chunks to ensure even cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts can take a bit longer to cook than tenders.
What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even cornflakes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. These alternatives will still give the chicken tenders a nice, crispy coating.
How can I make these tenders spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also dip the cooked tenders in a spicy sauce, like buffalo sauce, or add hot sauce to the egg mixture before dipping. Adjust the level of spice to your preference, and you’ll have a flavorful, spicy version of these tenders.
Can I bake these tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can easily bake these chicken tenders for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil before baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
Can I make these tenders without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the parmesan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. The chicken tenders will still be flavorful, especially if you add extra garlic and seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also try using a dairy-free cheese substitute for a similar texture and flavor.
Enjoy making these delicious, crispy chicken tenders with garlic parmesan!