Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Featured in: Compound Butters

These chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then brushed with a garlic butter glaze before baking. The result is a crispy, golden crust with tender, juicy meat inside. Ready in just over half an hour, this dish suits easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Optional lemon wedges and fresh parsley add a bright finishing touch. For extra crispiness, a brief broil at the end enhances the texture.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:52:00 GMT
Golden-brown garlic Parmesan chicken tenders offer a savory, crispy texture perfect for dinner. Save
Golden-brown garlic Parmesan chicken tenders offer a savory, crispy texture perfect for dinner. | butterhearth.com

Crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan crust, perfect for a family dinner or appetizer.

This recipe has become a favorite in our household for its crispy texture and bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
  • Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Wet Mixture: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
  • Garlic Butter: 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter melted, 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • For Serving: Lemon wedges (optional), Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Breading:
In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs Parmesan cheese Italian herbs paprika salt and black pepper.
Prepare Wet Mixture:
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs milk and Dijon mustard.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic.
Coat Chicken:
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender first in the egg mixture then in the breadcrumb mixture pressing lightly to adhere.
Arrange and Add Garlic Butter:
Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each tender with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake:
Bake for 18 20 minutes turning halfway through until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Juicy garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, cooked until golden, are an easy, family-friendly meal. Save
Juicy garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, cooked until golden, are an easy, family-friendly meal. | butterhearth.com

Our family enjoys these chicken tenders as an appetizer or a quick dinner on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard dipping sauces for enhanced flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 375 calories, 17 g total fat, 16 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and ensure chicken tenders are evenly coated for uniform crispiness.

Enjoy freshly baked garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, fragrant with herbs, ready for a delicious bite. Save
Enjoy freshly baked garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, fragrant with herbs, ready for a delicious bite. | butterhearth.com

These flavorful chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Recipe Questions

What type of cheese is used for the coating?

Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

How can I make the tenders extra crispy?

Broiling the tenders for 1-2 minutes after baking helps achieve extra crispiness on the crust.

Can I substitute panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of panko, though the texture will be slightly different.

What is the purpose of the garlic butter glaze?

The garlic butter is brushed on before baking to add moisture and a rich, aromatic flavor to the tenders.

Are there any suggested accompaniments?

Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley enhance the flavor, and dipping sauces like marinara or ranch pair well.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with garlic and Parmesan crust, ideal for family meals or appetizers.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Chicken

01 1.5 lbs chicken tenders

Breading

01 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
02 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
04 0.5 tsp paprika
05 0.5 tsp salt
06 0.25 tsp black pepper

Wet Mixture

01 2 large eggs
02 2 tbsp milk
03 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Garlic Butter

01 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
02 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

For Serving

01 Lemon wedges (optional)
02 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Stage 02

Prepare breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Stage 03

Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard in a separate bowl.

Stage 04

Combine garlic butter: Mix melted butter with finely minced garlic in a small bowl.

Stage 05

Coat chicken tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Stage 06

Arrange and apply garlic butter: Place breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each tender with the garlic butter mixture.

Stage 07

Bake chicken tenders: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).

Stage 08

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Tongs

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan, butter), and wheat (panko breadcrumbs).
  • Check packaged breadcrumbs for possible nut traces.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 375
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Protein Content: 39 g