Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for Easy Dinner Night

Introduction

There’s a reason Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a top pick for busy weeknights— they deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The golden, crunchy exterior and savory parmesan kick make this recipe a guaranteed crowd pleaser, while the simple preparation will save you time and stress. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, these chicken tenders make dinner delightfully easy.

Flavor-Packed Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

What sets these chicken tenders apart is the irresistible combination of freshly grated parmesan and aromatic garlic nestled in a crisp breadcrumb coating. The garlic infuses the tenders with a bold, mouthwatering flavor, while the parmesan adds an umami-rich, cheesy depth that elevates this classic comfort food. With just the right amount of crunch, they’re perfect for dipping, sandwiching, or serving atop a salad.

Secrets to Achieving Ultimate Crispiness

For maximum crunch, use panko breadcrumbs—they toast up lighter and crunchier than traditional varieties. Be sure to press the chicken pieces firmly into the coating to help it adhere. If you want to lighten things up, bake the tenders on a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate evenly. Otherwise, a quick sizzle in a pan with a splash of olive oil guarantees that golden, crave-worthy exterior.

Quick Prep, Easy Cleanup

This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings. All you need is a few shallow bowls for your dredging station and a baking sheet or skillet. Lining your baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup a breeze, so you can enjoy your delicious dinner without extra mess.

Serving Suggestions for a Dinner That Wows

Serve your crispy chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a zesty coleslaw for a balanced dinner. They’re also fantastic alongside a simple dipping sauce—think marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. For a crowd, pile them into a platter with lemon wedges and extra parmesan for sprinkling.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving provides approximately 350-400 calories, depending on your cooking method and portion sizes. Homemade means you control the ingredients—skip the additives and enjoy pure, satisfying flavor.

Flavor-Packed Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders (Recap)

Juicy chicken, robust garlic, and nutty parmesan in every crisp bite make these tenders a weeknight hero. They’re convenient, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a large skillet over medium heat if pan frying.
2. Set up a dredge station: In one shallow bowl, combine panko, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk together eggs and milk until well blended.
3. Dip each chicken strip first in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, turning and pressing to ensure the coating sticks.
4. Bake Option: Arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spritz lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. Pan-Fry Option: Heat olive oil in the skillet. Cook chicken tenders in batches about 3 minutes per side, until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Transfer to a plate, garnish with optional chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side or dipping sauce.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a dream for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your dinner nights and generate smart shopping lists that automatically combine all your recipes’ ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient quantities across all saved meals
• Organizes shopping lists by store section for fast, efficient grocery runs
• Eliminates forgotten ingredients and duplicate purchases
• Simplifies weekly meal prep and helps reduce food waste

Pro tip: When you plan several dinners, schedule your recipes to spot overlapping ingredients—CookifyAI updates your shopping list in real time, so you’ll always know exactly how much to buy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes