Crispy, golden chicken tenders deliver a kind of comfort that never gets old. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, prepping for a casual get-together, or simply craving something delicious and easy, Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders always hit the spot. They offer the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the mess or extra oil, and the combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a flavor that feels both familiar and irresistible.

As you follow this guide, you’ll learn how to create chicken tenders that cook evenly, taste incredible, and maintain a juicy interior. With clear steps, simple ingredients, and helpful techniques, you’ll master this dish and return to it again and again.

Ingredients

To make these flavorful chicken tenders, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders

1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or greasing the pan)

Optional Dipping Sauces

Marinara sauce
Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli
Honey mustard

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve perfectly baked, flavorful, and crispy chicken tenders.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. A hot oven helps the tenders crisp up beautifully without frying.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up two shallow bowls.
In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
In the second bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so the flavor distributes evenly.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture. Allow excess liquid to drip off. Next, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it sticks to every side. For extra crunch, press lightly to help the breading adhere.

4. Arrange the Tenders

Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a small space between each piece so they crisp instead of steam. Brush or drizzle the tops with melted butter and olive oil—this step creates the golden, crunchy texture without frying.

5. Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tenders. Flip halfway through to brown both sides. When the edges turn golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), they’re ready.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short rest helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and flavorful.

Conservation and Storage

Storing these chicken tenders properly keeps them fresh and crisp for another meal.

Refrigeration

Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat them in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Freezing

If you want to store them longer, freeze the baked tenders on a baking sheet for one hour. After they harden, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Both methods help restore their crisp exterior.

Variations

This recipe adapts easily to various flavor preferences. Try one of these tasty variations:

1. Spicy Garlic Parmesan

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.

2. Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders

Replace smoked paprika with lemon zest and add extra Italian seasoning for a bright, fresh twist.

3. Keto-Friendly Version

Use crushed pork rinds and grated Parmesan instead of breadcrumbs. You’ll get amazing crunch with fewer carbs.

4. Ranch-Flavored Tenders

Add 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a tangy, savory profile.

5. Buffalo Garlic Tenders

After baking, toss the tenders in a warm mixture of buffalo sauce and butter.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken tenders pair well with countless sides and sauces. Choose a combination that suits your meal or occasion.

Perfect Side Pairings

Crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges
Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini
Creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal
Mac and cheese for a comforting family favorite

Best Dipping Sauces

Creamy ranch
Spicy sriracha mayo
Parmesan garlic dip
Classic ketchup
Marinara sauce
Honey mustard

Meal Ideas

Slice the tenders and serve them over Caesar salad.
Add them to a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Pair them with pasta tossed in garlic butter for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Conclusion

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders combine simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a dish that works for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, parties, or even picky eaters. They bake quickly, offer a crunchy exterior without frying, and deliver a rich garlic-Parmesan taste that satisfies every time.

Because this recipe welcomes variations, you can easily adapt it to spicy, tangy, or low-carb versions, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you serve them with fresh vegetables, dips, or inside a sandwich, these chicken tenders elevate any meal with minimal effort.

Once you try them, they’ll likely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen—crispy, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make.

Save

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden, and packed with bold garlic-Parmesan flavor, these baked chicken tenders deliver comfort without the mess of frying. They bake to perfection with a crunchy coating, juicy interior, and simple ingredients—ideal for family dinners, meal prep, parties, or anytime you crave a satisfying, easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup regular breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or greasing the pan)

Optional Dipping Sauces

Marinara sauce

Ranch dressing

Garlic aioli

Honey mustard

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly with olive oil.

Prepare the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

In another bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Coat completely in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Lay the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each piece. Drizzle or brush with melted butter and olive oil for extra crispiness.

Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest & Serve
Allow the tenders to rest for 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.