Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a savory blend of flour, garlic-infused oil, and a crunchy Parmesan-Panko crust, these tenders are oven-baked to golden perfection. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re an easy and delicious meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken tenders (boneless skinless)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dipping Sauce
- Famous Fry Sauce (quantity as desired for serving)
Instructions
- Trim Chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and a clean presentation.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to prepare for baking the tenders.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the white flour with about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, combining them thoroughly to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare Panko Mixture: In a third bowl, combine the dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
- Coat Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, coating all sides. Next, dip them into the garlic oil to absorb the flavor. Finally, press each tender into the Parmesan-Panko mixture to coat thoroughly, ensuring a crunchy crust after baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Put the sheet in the preheated oven.
- Cook and Flip: Bake the tenders for 15 minutes. Then, flip each tender to the other side and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) indicating they are thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the tenders from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Famous Fry Sauce, for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use melted butter instead of olive oil.
- Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- These tenders are best served immediately for optimal crunch.
- Famous Fry Sauce is optional but adds a tangy complement to the savory tenders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 23 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American