Craving a crispy, golden chicken tender with a burst of flavor? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. Marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb-Parmesan crust, and then drizzled with rich garlic butter, every bite is an explosion of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as a snack, or at a party, these chicken tenders will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders:
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup (245g) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Breading:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups (216g) plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
Instructions For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
Set up your breading station with three separate plates:
- Plate 1: Flour mixture – Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
- Plate 2: Beaten eggs – Whisk the eggs and water until smooth.
- Plate 3: Panko-Parmesan mixture – Combine panko breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each marinated chicken tender, dredge it in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten egg, and then press it into the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan gives the tenders that perfect golden crunch.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Garlic Butter:
While the chicken is frying, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and kosher salt, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
6. Serve:
Once the chicken tenders are done frying, drizzle the garlic butter over the tenders while they’re still warm. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, or enjoy them as they are – crispy, buttery, and delicious.
Pro Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, serve your garlic Parmesan chicken tenders with a side of lemon wedges. The citrus adds a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the savory garlic butter!
Serving Suggestions:
These garlic Parmesan chicken tenders are versatile and go wonderfully with various sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They’re also perfect as a party snack or game-day treat!
Nutrition Information For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (based on 3 tenders)
- Protein: 32g per serving
- Fat: 28g per serving
- Carbs: 30g per serving
Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
What dipping sauces pair well with garlic Parmesan chicken tenders?
Some great options include ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy buffalo sauce. A honey mustard or barbecue sauce also pairs wonderfully!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces to mimic tenders.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make these tenders spicier?
To add some heat, mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture or panko-Parmesan mix.
Can I make these chicken tenders in advance?
Yes! You can bread the tenders ahead of time, refrigerate them for a few hours, and then fry them just before serving.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
