Description
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe features crispy, golden chicken coated in a flavorful garlic-parmesan crust, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on classic fried tenders. Served alongside a tangy homemade dipping sauce, fresh cos lettuce salad, and crispy fries, this meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup (125 g) mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup (90 g) Greek yoghurt or sour cream
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Chicken Coating
- 1½ cups (90 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup (75 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken tenderloins (mini fillets) or sliced boneless, skinless breast
- Olive oil spray (for cooking)
Garlic Butter
- 50 g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Finishing
- ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated parmesan (for sprinkling after baking)
Cos Salad
- 1 large cos (romaine) lettuce, cut into strips
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Sides
- Air fryer chips, crispy oven fries or freezer fries
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer – Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C fan/400°F fan-forced) and allow it to heat fully for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes to ensure crisp cooking results.
- Make the dipping sauce – In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt or sour cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped chives, sea salt flakes, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the crumb mixture – In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, sweet paprika, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Place plain flour and whisked eggs in separate bowls for coating.
- Coat the chicken – Lightly dust each chicken tender in the plain flour, dip into the whisked eggs, and then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating that sticks well.
- Bake or air fry the chicken – For oven: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a lightly oiled rack over a baking tray or on a heavy unlined tray sprayed with oil. Space evenly, spray tops with olive oil spray, and bake for 16–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through and spraying again. Avoid baking longer than 22 minutes to prevent dryness. For air fryer: Spray the basket with oil, place chicken in a single layer, spray tops evenly with oil, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again. Do not exceed 18 minutes to keep tenders moist and crispy.
- Make the garlic butter – In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with freshly minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- Finish the chicken – Once cooked and golden, brush each chicken tender generously with the garlic butter, then immediately sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese so it melts slightly and adheres to the coating.
- Prepare the cos salad – Just before serving, toss the cos lettuce strips with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a fresh, zesty salad.
- Serve – Plate the baked garlic parmesan chicken tenders alongside the dipping sauce, fresh cos salad, crispy fries, and lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to achieve crisp chicken tenders.
- Do not overbake or over-air fry as chicken tenders can dry out quickly.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure a crunchy crust.
- Use fresh garlic and parmesan for best flavor impact.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Use olive oil spray to reduce added fats while achieving a crispy finish.
- Serve with your choice of crispy fries for a complete meal.
