Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender. The crunch, the juiciness, and the burst of flavor make it a timeless favorite for both kids and adults. As someone who loves cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless versions of chicken tenders, but this Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan recipe has become my go-to. It’s healthier than fried versions, yet it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Plus, the garlic parmesan twist adds a savory, cheesy kick that’s absolutely irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even meal prep. The best part? Baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them means less mess and fewer calories, but they still come out golden and crispy every time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought or fast-food versions again.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Chicken tenders: These are the star of the dish. Chicken tenders are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find pre-cut tenders, you can easily slice chicken breasts into strips.

Panko breadcrumbs: Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that’s lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect crunch without deep-frying.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to the coating. It also helps create a golden, crispy crust when baked.

Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a convenient way to infuse the chicken with a robust garlic flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.

Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the coating. It’s not spicy, so it’s perfect for all taste preferences.

Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken tenders.

Olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the breadcrumbs crisp up in the oven, giving the tenders that fried-like texture.

Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and the other ingredients.

Ingredients List

1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 large eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to crisp up the chicken tenders as soon as they go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until they’re fully combined. This will act as the glue to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating on all sides. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Lightly drizzle the coated chicken tenders with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’re done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re perfect on their own, with a side of dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Making this Recipe

Use fresh parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan can sometimes be dry and less flavorful. For the best results, grate your own parmesan cheese.
Don’t skip the olive oil: A light drizzle is key to getting that crispy texture without frying.
Flip halfway through baking: This ensures even browning on both sides.
Customize the seasoning: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
Serve immediately: These tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will still work, but the coating may be denser.

Can I make these ahead of time?
While they’re best served fresh, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
These tenders pair well with ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or even a garlic aioli.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs are thicker. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Enjoy making and eating these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan – they’re sure to become a household favorite!