Oven-baked garlic Parmesan chicken tenders with a crispy panko crust—juicy, cheesy, and flavor-packed without frying. A perfect weeknight dinner or snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, not fried – all the crunch without the extra oil
- Big garlic-Parmesan flavor – a savory combo that’s always a hit
- Quick and easy – ready in just 35 minutes
- Perfectly crispy – thanks to panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan
- Great for kids and adults – picky-eater approved
- High in protein – satisfying and energizing
- Versatile – serve with salads, wraps, or dipping sauces
- Crowd-pleaser – great for parties or casual entertaining
- Customizable – easy to spice up or keep mild
- Meal-prep friendly – reheat beautifully for lunches
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray (for greasing)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (95g)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (50g)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (55g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1¼ lb chicken tenders (565g)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: whisked eggs and lemon juice
- Bowl 3: panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg mixture, and coat with the panko-Parmesan mix.
- Arrange tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce of choice.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
- Use Italian seasoning for herbaceous flavor
- Swap lemon zest with lime or orange for a twist
- Try almond flour for a gluten-free option
- Use shredded Parmesan for a chunkier crust
- Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo
- Make tenders into sliders with small buns and slaw
- Turn into a wrap with lettuce and tzatziki
- Add crushed cornflakes for extra crunch
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheating (oven): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to retain crispiness
- Reheating (air fryer): 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes
- Reheating (microwave): 30–45 seconds, though less crisp
- Freezing: Freeze after baking; reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Tenders?
Yes, just slice chicken breasts into strips to mimic tender size.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko.
Do I Need To Marinate The Chicken?
Not required, but you can soak them in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
Can I Prep These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, coat the tenders and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
What’s The Best Dipping Sauce?
Ranch, garlic aioli, marinara, or honey mustard are all great choices.
Can I Air Fry Instead Of Bake?
Definitely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How Do I Keep The Coating From Falling Off?
Make sure to press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken and don’t skip the flour step.
Can I Add Cheese Inside The Tenders?
For stuffed tenders, butterfly and add mozzarella or cheddar before coating.
Why Flip Them During Baking?
Flipping ensures even crisping and browning on both sides.
Are These Good Cold?
Yes, they make a great cold snack or protein addition to salads.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Tenders bring together everything you love in a savory snack or simple dinner — big flavor, satisfying crunch, and no need to fry. Whether served straight from the oven or as leftovers the next day, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give them a try and enjoy a delicious, healthier take on classic chicken tenders.
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Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Oven-baked garlic Parmesan chicken tenders with a crispy panko crust—juicy, cheesy, flavor-packed. A perfect weeknight dinner or snack!
Ingredients
Olive oil spray (for greasing)
¾ cup all-purpose flour (95g)
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup panko bread crumbs (50g)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (55g)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon lemon zest
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1¼ lb chicken tenders (565g)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with olive oil.
Set up 3 bowls: flour in the first; whisked eggs and lemon juice in the second; panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in the third.
Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in panko-Parmesan mix.
Arrange tenders on baking tray and spray tops with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serve with garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara.
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes to the panko mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American