Delicious Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders: An Easy Kid-Friendly Family Favorite
Say goodbye to bland, frozen nuggets and hello to the most flavorful homemade chicken tenders you’ll ever make! While preparing them might get a little messy (that’s part of the fun, right?), the incredible taste and crispy texture of these Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders are absolutely worth it. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with kids who can be notoriously picky eaters. Baking them ensures they are healthier than their fried counterparts, yet still deliver that satisfying crunch and juicy chicken interior that everyone craves.
Imagine tender, boneless chicken tenderloins coated in a savory mixture of creamy mayonnaise, sharp Parmesan cheese, aromatic garlic powder, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs. Baked to a golden-brown perfection, these chicken tenders offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. They’re quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner, yet special enough to be a highlight of any family meal. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this simple, delicious, and utterly irresistible recipe!
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Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Tenders
There are countless reasons why these Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders are a go-to recipe for families everywhere. First and foremost, they’re incredibly delicious. The combination of savory Parmesan, pungent garlic, and a hint of creamy mayonnaise creates a rich flavor profile that’s irresistible. Then there’s the texture: perfectly crispy on the outside, thanks to the breadcrumb coating, and wonderfully juicy and tender on the inside.
Beyond taste, the ease of preparation is a huge bonus. Unlike traditional fried chicken, these tenders are baked, which means less oil, less mess, and a healthier meal. It also frees you from standing over a hot stove, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while dinner cooks. Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your family’s preferences or accommodate dietary needs, like making them gluten-free. It’s truly a versatile dish that promises a satisfying and wholesome meal.
⏲️ Time Needed to Make These Easy Tenders
One of the best features of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You’ll need approximately 15 minutes for active prep time, which includes mixing the creamy Parmesan-garlic coating and thoroughly coating each chicken tenderloin. This hands-on part is swift and straightforward. Once prepared, the tenders bake to perfection in just 20 minutes in a preheated oven. This brings your total time from start to delicious finish to a mere 35 minutes. This efficient cooking process allows you to have a homemade, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour, making it a fantastic alternative to takeout or more time-consuming recipes.
🥘 Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
The beauty of these baked chicken tenders lies in their short and simple ingredient list, proving that you don’t need exotic items to create an extraordinary meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Mayonnaise: This is our secret weapon! Instead of an egg wash, mayonnaise creates a delicious, tangy base that helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken. It also keeps the chicken incredibly moist during baking, contributing to its tender interior.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor. Its salty, nutty notes infuse the coating with a depth that powdered Parmesan just can’t match. It also helps create a wonderfully crispy crust.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in any pantry, garlic powder provides a consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout the coating. It’s easier to use than fresh garlic in this application and ensures even distribution of that irresistible aroma.
- Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These pre-seasoned breadcrumbs are a fantastic shortcut, already packed with herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. They provide the perfect crispy texture and a flavorful crust. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can add your own Italian seasoning blend.
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Tenderloins: Using tenderloins means no trimming and quick cooking. Their small, uniform size ensures even baking. If you have chicken breasts, simply slice them into 1-inch thick strips to mimic tenderloins.
These humble ingredients combine to create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts, proving that sometimes, simplicity is key to culinary success.
🌾 Gluten-Free Adaptation: Enjoy Tenders Without Compromise
For those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet, you absolutely don’t have to miss out on these delicious chicken tenders! Adapting this recipe is straightforward, thanks to a variety of excellent gluten-free alternatives available. Here are a few options to ensure your tenders are just as crispy and flavorful:
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Many brands now offer excellent gluten-free breadcrumbs that closely mimic traditional ones in terms of texture and flavor. While they might be a bit pricier, they’re often the most convenient “swap-and-go” option. Look for Italian-seasoned varieties for the best results, or opt for plain and add your own herbs and spices.
- Crushed Corn Flakes: For a wonderfully crispy, crunchy coating, finely crush plain corn flakes. They offer a fantastic texture and a subtle, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. Ensure your corn flakes are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain malt flavoring derived from barley.
- Almond Flour: If you’re looking for a low-carb or grain-free option, almond flour can work as a coating. It provides a slightly different texture – less crispy, but still creates a nice crust with a delicate nutty flavor. For best results, you might want to mix it with a little Parmesan cheese for extra browning and flavor.
- Crushed Pork Rinds: For a very low-carb and extra savory option, finely crushed pork rinds (panko style is best) make an incredibly crunchy and flavorful coating.
Whichever gluten-free option you choose, the preparation steps remain the same. Simply substitute your preferred gluten-free coating for the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and you’ll be enjoying delicious, safe-to-eat chicken tenders in no time!
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Tenders
Making these Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders is a breeze with these clear, easy-to-follow steps. Precision in preparation leads to perfect results every time!
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures a quick bake and a crispy coating. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Flavorful Coating Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined paste. This will be the delicious binder and flavor enhancer for your chicken.
- Set Up Your Dipping Station: Pour the Italian seasoned bread crumbs into a separate shallow dish or container. A pie plate or a wide, shallow bowl works perfectly for this step, making it easy to coat the chicken evenly.
- Coat the Chicken Tenderloins: Take each chicken tenderloin and generously spread the mayonnaise mixture over all sides. Ensure it’s fully covered. Then, gently dip and press the mayonnaise-coated tenderloin into the bread crumbs, turning to coat both sides completely. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the fully coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and to achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The chicken is done when its juices run clear when pierced with a knife, and the breadcrumb coating is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken every bite.
💭 Helpful Tips for Success
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken tenders is simple, especially with a few handy tips:
- Minimize the Mess: While dipping by hand might feel more intuitive, using a spoon or a small spatula to spread the mayonnaise mixture onto the tenderloins can significantly reduce mess and sticky fingers. If you prefer the hands-on approach, consider wearing disposable gloves.
- Involve the Kids: Turn meal prep into a fun family activity! Most kids love to help in the kitchen, especially with “messy” tasks like coating chicken. They often don’t mind the tactile experience, and it’s a great way to encourage them to try new foods. Just be sure to supervise for hygiene.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For truly crispy tenders, ensure there’s enough space between each piece on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in a less crispy coating. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure chicken is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavor! Add a pinch of onion powder, smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crunchy!
Recipe Card: Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders
Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins, boneless & skinless
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or a silicone mat.
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In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Place the Italian seasoned bread crumbs in a separate shallow dipping container.
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Spread the mayonnaise mixture generously onto each chicken tenderloin. Then, dip each tenderloin into the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure both sides are fully and evenly coated.
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Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for optimal crisping.
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Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the chicken juices run clear and the coating turns a beautiful golden brown. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C).
Notes
If you prefer not to get your hands messy, consider wearing disposable gloves during the coating process. Alternatively, get your kids involved! Most children love helping out in the kitchen and often don’t mind a little mess for a delicious reward.
Nutrition per serving
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🥗 Perfectly Paired Side Dishes
To complete your meal of irresistible Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders, it’s always a good idea to pair them with some complementary side dishes. Here are some kid-friendly and adult-approved options that enhance the meal:
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, a classic mac and cheese provides a creamy, cheesy contrast to the crispy chicken tenders. It’s a side dish that kids universally adore and adults find comforting.
- Easy 15 Minute Microwave Acorn Squash: For a touch of sweetness and a healthy vegetable, this quick acorn squash recipe is perfect. Its soft texture and mild flavor offer a lovely balance to the savory tenders and can be seasoned simply with butter and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Refreshing Apple Raisin Salad: A light and crisp salad with crunchy apples and sweet raisins provides a refreshing bite. It’s a great way to add fruit to your meal and offers a vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: Simple, steamed green vegetables are always a healthy and easy choice. A little butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper make them delicious and nutritious.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For another crispy, kid-friendly option, bake up some sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch make them a fun alternative to regular fries.
Choose one or a combination of these sides to create a well-rounded and delightful meal that your entire family will enjoy.
📌 Pin This Recipe for Later!
Loved these Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders? Don’t forget to save this fantastic recipe so you can easily find it for your next family dinner! Pin this image to your favorite recipe boards on Pinterest and share the deliciousness with your friends and followers. It’s a brilliant way to keep your meal planning exciting and ensure you always have a winning dish ready to go!
We hope these homemade Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, bringing joy and deliciousness to your family meals. Happy cooking!