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Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe with Easy Garlic Dip

crispy baked parmesan chicken tenders - featured image

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy baked Parmesan chicken tenders paired with a creamy, tangy garlic dip. It’s quick, easy, and a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast strips (trimmed of excess fat)
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can use chickpea flour as gluten-free option)
  • Olive oil spray for misting
  • For the Garlic Dip:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place a wire rack on the sheet if available.
  2. In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Set up dredging stations: one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs.
  4. Trim and pat dry chicken tenders. Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
  5. Coat each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess.
  6. Dip floured chicken into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Press each tender firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
  8. Place coated tenders on prepared baking sheet or wire rack, spacing them apart.
  9. Lightly spray tenders with olive oil spray.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping tenders halfway through at about 10 minutes. Chicken should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  11. While baking, prepare garlic dip by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and chill until serving.
  12. Remove tenders from oven and let rest for 3 minutes.
  13. Serve warm with garlic dip on the side.

Notes

If coating browns too quickly, lower oven temperature and extend cooking time. Pat chicken dry for better coating adhesion. Light olive oil spray helps achieve golden crisp without frying. Flip tenders halfway through baking for even browning. Leftovers reheat best in oven to maintain crispiness. Garlic dip flavors intensify if made a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken tenders, Parmesan chicken, garlic dip, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken, easy dinner, gluten-free option