Description
Crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe combines a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese coating with melted butter for a deliciously savory finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack, these chicken tenders are tender inside with a crunchy exterior and garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Finishing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken tender thoroughly with all-purpose flour. This helps the egg wash adhere better later.
- Dip in Eggs: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated to bind the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Roll each egg-coated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture until fully and evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over each tender to help crisp the coating and add richness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunchy texture over regular breadcrumbs.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
