Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe For Crispy Bliss

Crispy garlic parmesan chicken tenders dance with irresistible flavor on your plate.

Golden breading locks in juicy meat while parmesan adds a sharp, tangy kick.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this simple yet elegant recipe.

You appreciate how quickly these tenders come together without complicated techniques.

Crunchy exterior meets tender chicken in a match made in culinary heaven.

Seasoned veterans and kitchen newbies alike will fall in love with these mouthwatering morsels.

Prepare to experience a dinner that brings smiles and satisfaction to everyone at the table.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Highlights

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these mouthwatering chicken tenders with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal in no time.
• Flavor-Packed Coating: Enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy corn starch coating, savory parmesan cheese, and garlic salt that creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Delight kids and adults alike with these golden-brown chicken tenders that work perfectly as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack for any casual gathering.
• Dip-Lover's Dream: Elevate your meal with the creamy, zesty garlic parmesan sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor and takes these chicken tenders from good to absolutely incredible.

What Goes Into Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Strips: Tender and juicy meat perfect for crispy tenders.

• Egg Whites: Helps create a light and crispy coating.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor.

• Corn Starch, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy and flavorful exterior.
• Garlic Salt, Black Pepper: Adds seasoning and depth of flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Garlic Parmesan Dressing: Provides a creamy and tangy dipping sauce.
• Additional Grated Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor of the sauce.

Cooking Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Mix Tangy Marinade

Whisk together egg whites, buttermilk, and smashed garlic cloves in a large bowl.

Submerge chicken strips completely in this zesty liquid mixture.

Let the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors by refrigerating for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Corn starch
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavor-packed breading.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken Strips

Carefully remove chicken strips from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll each strip in the parmesan coating, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even layer of breading covers every inch of the chicken.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place coated chicken strips into the hot oil.

Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop an irresistibly crispy exterior.

Transfer fried tenders to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Dipping Sauce

Stir together garlic parmesan dressing, additional grated parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot, crispy chicken tenders alongside the creamy dipping sauce.

Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crunchy.

Watch as everyone reaches for seconds!

Tips For Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Soak chicken strips in buttermilk and egg white mixture for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse deep garlic flavor, ensuring juicy and delicious results.
• Use corn starch instead of flour for an extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer and provides a light, golden texture to the chicken tenders.
• Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve evenly golden-brown chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Adjust garlic salt and black pepper quantities to match personal taste preferences, creating a personalized flavor profile for your chicken tenders.
• Mix store-bought garlic parmesan dressing with extra cheese for an instant, restaurant-quality dipping sauce that elevates the entire dish.

How To Store Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each tender individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat to 350°F, arrange tenders on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwave to maintain crispiness.
• Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet before reheating to help preserve their crunchy exterior and prevent soggy bottoms.

Pairing Options For Chicken Tenders

• Sauce-Enhancing Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and parmesan flavors without overpowering the chicken's delicate coating.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy a cold craft beer with citrus notes or a wheat ale that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and balances the garlic's intensity.
• Flavor-Boosting Side Companion: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that brightens the dish's creamy parmesan profile.
• Texture-Contrasting Accompaniment: Serve crispy roasted asparagus spears or green beans to add a crunchy vegetable element that complements the tender, golden-brown chicken strips.

Flavor Variations On Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace corn starch with gluten-free flour or almond flour to make the coating safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap corn starch for crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Skip buttermilk and use heavy cream or Greek yogurt as a protein-rich marinade alternative.
• Baked Chicken Tenders: Instead of frying, place coated chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture. Include hot sauce in the dipping sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strip-like pieces that are similar in size to tenders. Just ensure they are uniform in thickness for even cooking.

• Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside, without any pink areas.

• Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray or brush with a little oil to help them crisp up.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy garlic parmesan chicken tenders bring irresistible flavor to classic comfort food. Juicy chicken coated in a golden, herb-infused crust delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast tenderloins or breasts cut into strips

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) corn starch
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 egg whites
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

Liquid and Frying Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) garlic parmesan salad dressing
• 2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful marinade by whisking egg whites, buttermilk, and crushed garlic cloves into a smooth liquid mixture.
2. Submerge chicken strips completely in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for at least half an hour to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Create a crispy coating by blending corn starch, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
4. Carefully remove chicken strips from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Thoroughly dredge each strip in the seasoned corn starch mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
5. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with potential. Gently place coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, maintaining a consistent temperature.
6. Cook chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches safe cooking levels.
7. Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
8. Whisk together garlic parmesan dressing, additional black pepper, and extra grated parmesan cheese to create a luxurious dipping sauce.
9. Plate the hot, crispy chicken tenders alongside the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, inviting immediate enjoyment of this delectable dish.

Notes

• Marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternatives for dietary variations.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create crispier texture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg