Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated with a flavorful garlic Parmesan crust. They are crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and perfect for dinner, lunch, or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients:
1½ lb (680 g) chicken tenderloins
1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
For serving:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard or garlic aioli
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. If the pieces are very thick, gently flatten them to an even thickness so they cook evenly. - Prepare the coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Prepare the egg mixture:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the minced garlic and melted butter until well combined. - Prepare the Parmesan coating:
In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. - Coat the chicken:
Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, making sure it is lightly coated. Shake off the excess flour. - Dip into egg:
Place the floured chicken into the egg mixture and coat both sides completely. - Add the crispy coating:
Transfer the chicken to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken so the coating sticks well. - Prepare for cooking:
For extra crispiness, place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better. - Air fryer method:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
Air fry for 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Oven method:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Extra-crispy finish:
For a deeper golden crust, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch them carefully so the Parmesan coating does not burn. - Serve:
Remove from the oven or air fryer and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
Nutrition Information per serving, approximately:
Calories: 430
Protein: 43 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Cholesterol: 165 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and can vary depending on the chicken size, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, oil, and dipping sauce used.
Q/S:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating/Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–14 minutes in air fryer or 18–22 minutes in oven
Total Time: About 30–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 430 per serving
Course: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Tips:
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the coating a stronger flavor and better texture.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket because the chicken needs space for the hot air to circulate.
Always check the thickest part of the chicken with a food thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
For meal prep, refrigerate cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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