Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan

The satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken, paired with the savory punch of garlic and rich parmesan, is a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a healthier baked option without sacrificing any of the craveable crispiness or bold flavors. These chicken tenders are not just a meal; they are a fun and flavorful experience, perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you desire a satisfying and delicious dish.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe?

Crispy Texture Without Frying,Yet Deliciously Crunchy

If you crave that satisfying crunch of fried chicken but prefer a healthier baking method, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are your answer. This recipe is specifically designed to deliver incredibly crispy chicken tenders straight from your oven, achieving a truly crunchy exterior without any deep frying. Enjoy all the satisfying crispness without the extra oil and fuss. Baked crispiness that rivals frying, guaranteed!

Bursting with Savory Garlic Parmesan Flavor in Every Single Bite

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor! Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are generously coated in a savory garlic parmesan blend that infuses every bite with irresistible cheesy, garlicky goodness. The combination is both classic and utterly addictive, making these chicken tenders a flavor sensation that will have everyone coming back for more. Garlic parmesan perfection in every crispy bite!

Easy to Make with Simple Pantry Ingredients

Despite their gourmet taste and impressive crispiness, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. The recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Easy baking, maximum flavor and crisp!

Versatile Recipe Perfect for a Quick Dinner, Appetizer, or Snack

Looking for a recipe that can do it all? Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, or a satisfying snack any time of day. These chicken tenders adapt perfectly to any occasion, making them a go-to recipe for any meal or gathering. Versatility and deliciousness in one recipe!

Family-Friendly Favorite That Everyone Will Devour and Love

From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will devour these crispy, flavorful chicken tenders, making them a surefire hit at any family dinner or gathering. A recipe that brings smiles to faces and empty plates every time!

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Ingredients:

To create these irresistibly Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan, you will need a carefully selected list of readily available, pantry-friendly, and permissible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the tenders’ signature crispiness, flavor, and satisfying texture. Here is your detailed ingredient list for chicken tender success:

Key Components for Crispy and Flavorful Chicken Tenders

• 1.5 lbs Permissible Chicken Tenders: High-quality permissible chicken tenders are the star of this recipe, providing a tender and flavorful base for the crispy coating and garlic parmesan seasoning. Ensure chicken tenders are fresh and of good quality for the best results in this baked chicken recipe.
• 1 cup Permissible Buttermilk: Permissible buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading adhere properly, contributing to the ultimate crispiness of these chicken tenders. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute (see tips below).
• 1 cup Permissible All-Purpose Flour: Permissible all-purpose flour forms the base of the crispy breading, providing structure and helping to create a golden-brown and crunchy exterior for these crispy chicken tenders. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
• 1 cup Permissible Panko Breadcrumbs: Permissible panko breadcrumbs are the secret to achieving extra crispiness in these baked chicken tenders. Panko crumbs are coarser than regular breadcrumbs and create a wonderfully crunchy texture.
• ½ cup Permissible Grated Parmesan Cheese, finely grated: Permissible finely grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the signature garlic parmesan flavor, adding a salty, nutty, and savory element to the crispy coating of these chicken tenders recipe. Use finely grated Parmesan for even coating.
• 2 large Permissible Eggs: Large permissible eggs act as a binder, helping the breading adhere to the chicken tenders and adding richness and moisture to the final dish. Use fresh, large eggs for optimal results in this easy chicken recipe.
• 2 tablespoons Permissible Olive Oil or permissible vegetable oil: Permissible olive oil or permissible vegetable oil is used for drizzling over the chicken tenders before baking, helping them to brown and crisp up beautifully in the oven. Choose a permissible oil with a neutral flavor.

Essential Spices and Seasonings for Garlic Parmesan Flavor

• 2 teaspoons Permissible Garlic Powder: Permissible garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavor that is essential for the signature garlic parmesan taste of these crispy chicken tenders. Use fresh garlic powder for the best aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Permissible Onion Powder: Permissible onion powder adds a subtle savory depth and complexity to the seasoning blend, complementing the garlic and parmesan flavors in this flavorful chicken recipe.
• 1 teaspoon Permissible Dried Italian Herb Blend: Permissible dried Italian herb blend (such as oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme) provides a classic herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile of these baked chicken tenders.
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Sea salt is essential for seasoning both the chicken and the breading, enhancing all the flavors and creating a well-balanced taste in this easy chicken recipe. Adjust to your preference.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the savory flavors, providing a touch of warmth and complexity to the crispy chicken tenders. Freshly ground pepper offers a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.

Optional Garnishes for Serving (Permissible)

• Permissible Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish and freshness (optional)
• Permissible Lemon Wedges, for serving alongside (optional)
• Permissible Marinara Sauce, permissible ranch dressing, or permissible honey mustard, for dipping (optional)

Step by Step:

Creating irresistibly Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan in your home kitchen is a surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding process. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to marinate, bread, bake, and savor these crunchy, flavorful chicken tenders:

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Tenders in Buttermilk for Tenderness

Begin by marinating the permissible chicken tenders in permissible buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and ensure juicy, flavorful results. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Ensure chicken is fully submerged in buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating in buttermilk helps create incredibly tender baked chicken.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Station for Crispy Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breading station for the crispy garlic parmesan coating. Set up three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place the permissible all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the large permissible eggs. In the third bowl, combine the permissible panko breadcrumbs, permissible grated Parmesan cheese, permissible garlic powder, permissible onion powder, permissible dried Italian herb blend, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk all breading ingredients together until thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bread Chicken Tenders for Maximum Crispiness

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Working one at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, dredge the egg-dipped chicken tender in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides. Place the breaded chicken tender on a baking sheet. Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken tenders.

Step 4: Bake Chicken Tenders to Golden Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with permissible parchment paper or a permissible silicone baking mat. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal crisping. Drizzle the chicken tenders evenly with permissible olive oil or permissible vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crispy, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through baking to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy Your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Cooling slightly allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Garnish with permissible chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with permissible lemon wedges and your favorite permissible dipping sauces, such as permissible marinara sauce, permissible ranch dressing, or permissible honey mustard. Enjoy these incredibly crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken tenders immediately for the best texture and taste!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Variations:

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Add a fiery kick to your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders by incorporating ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of permissible cayenne pepper or permissible red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level. This variation is perfect for those who love a little heat with their crispy chicken.

Herb and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Enhance the herbaceous notes by adding 1 tablespoon of permissible chopped fresh herbs like permissible parsley, permissible chives, or permissible basil to the breadcrumb mixture along with the dried Italian herbs. Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma to these already delicious baked chicken tenders.

Extra Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

For an even cheesier experience, increase the amount of permissible grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture to ¾ cup or even 1 cup. You can also add ¼ cup of permissible grated mozzarella cheese for extra meltiness and cheesy goodness. This variation is for true cheese lovers who want maximum cheesy flavor in their crispy chicken.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Brighten the flavor profile with a touch of lemon zest. Create Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders by adding the zest of 1 permissible lemon to the breadcrumb mixture. Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy note that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Tenders

For extra richness and flavor, prepare a permissible garlic herb butter to drizzle over the baked chicken tenders after they come out of the oven. Melt 2 tablespoons of permissible butter with 1 minced clove of permissible garlic and 1 teaspoon of permissible chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle this flavorful butter over the hot chicken tenders for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Chicken Tenders and Fries:

Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan alongside a generous portion of permissible French fries or permissible potato wedges for a classic and crowd-pleasing combination. This is a universally loved pairing that is perfect for a casual meal or game day.

Chicken Tender Salad:

Transform Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders into a lighter and more balanced meal by serving them atop a fresh permissible garden salad. Slice the chicken tenders and arrange them over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite permissible vegetables and dressing. This makes a delicious and satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Chicken Tender Wraps or Pitas:

Create portable and flavorful wraps or pitas by tucking Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders into permissible tortillas or permissible pita bread with your favorite permissible toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces. This is a fun and customizable way to enjoy these crispy chicken tenders on the go.

Chicken Tender Platter with Dipping Sauces:

Create a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter by arranging Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders on a large platter with a variety of permissible dipping sauces such as permissible marinara sauce, permissible ranch dressing, permissible honey mustard, permissible barbecue sauce, and permissible sweet chili sauce. This is perfect for parties and gatherings, offering something for everyone.

Chicken Tender Bowls with Grains and Veggies:

Build healthy and hearty bowls by pairing Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with permissible cooked grains like permissible rice, permissible quinoa, or permissible couscous, and a variety of permissible roasted or steamed vegetables. This creates a balanced and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

FAQ :

Can I make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders ahead of time for meal prep?

For the best crispiness, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are best enjoyed fresh and hot right out of the oven. However, you can prepare the breaded chicken tenders ahead of time and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Bake them just before serving for optimal texture.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have permissible buttermilk, you can easily make a quick substitute. For 1 cup of buttermilk, combine 1 cup of permissible milk with 1 tablespoon of permissible lemon juice or permissible white vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken before using in the recipe. This works as a great substitute for tenderizing the chicken in these baked chicken tenders.

How do I store leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders to maintain crispiness?

Leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, they will lose some of their crispiness as they cool and are stored. To reheat and try to regain some crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs for this recipe?

While you can use permissible regular breadcrumbs, permissible panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for achieving the signature extra crispy texture of these chicken tenders. Panko crumbs are coarser and lighter, creating a much crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs. If using regular breadcrumbs, the chicken tenders will still be tasty, but the texture will be less crispy.

Can I air fry these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders instead of baking?

Yes, Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan can be easily adapted for air frying. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Air frying is a faster method for achieving crispy chicken tenders recipe.

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