Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

These chicken tenders feature a crispy coating made with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Dipped in egg and mustard mixture, then brushed with garlic butter for extra richness. Baked until golden and juicy, they're perfect served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Ideal for quick family dinners or appetizers, they deliver a delicious balance of savory garlic and cheese flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:56:00 GMT
Golden-brown Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, crispy and inviting, ready to be served hot. Save
Golden-brown Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, crispy and inviting, ready to be served hot. | birchplate.com

Crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan crust, perfect for a family dinner or appetizer.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in our household, perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
  • Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Wet Mixture: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
  • Garlic Butter: 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter melted, 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • For Serving: Lemon wedges (optional), Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Breading:
Combine panko breadcrumbs Parmesan cheese Italian herbs paprika salt and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
Prepare Wet Mixture:
Whisk together the eggs milk and Dijon mustard in a second bowl.
Mix Garlic Butter:
Mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Bread Chicken:
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender first in the egg mixture then in the breadcrumb mixture pressing lightly to adhere.
Arrange Chicken:
Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each tender with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake:
Bake for 18 20 minutes turning halfway through until golden brown and cooked through internal temperature 165°F/74°C.
Serve:
Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for a family meal. Save
Oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, glistening with garlic butter, perfect for a family meal. | birchplate.com

My family always gathers around the table eagerly when I make this dish, sharing stories and smiles.

Notes

For extra crispiness broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs if preferred. Delicious with marinara ranch or honey mustard dipping sauces.

Required Tools

Baking sheet parchment paper or nonstick spray mixing bowls whisk pastry brush optional tongs.

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (Parmesan butter) Wheat (panko breadcrumbs). If using packaged breadcrumbs check for possible nut traces. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Close up shot of crispy, breaded Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with fresh parsley garnish. Save
Close up shot of crispy, breaded Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with fresh parsley garnish. | birchplate.com

This simple recipe guarantees a flavorful meal your family will love every time.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken coated in a garlic-Parmesan herb crust, baked golden brown and flavorful.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken

01 1.5 lbs chicken tenders

Breading

01 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
02 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
04 ½ tsp paprika
05 ½ tsp salt
06 ¼ tsp black pepper

Wet Mixture

01 2 large eggs
02 2 tbsp milk
03 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Garlic Butter

01 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
02 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Serving

01 Lemon wedges (optional)
02 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Combine dry breading ingredients: Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 03

Prepare wet mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard together in a separate bowl.

Step 04

Make garlic butter: Combine melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Step 05

Coat chicken tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry. Dip each tender into the wet mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 06

Arrange and apply garlic butter: Place breaded tenders on the baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each with the garlic butter mixture.

Step 07

Bake chicken tenders: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 08

Serve and garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan cheese, butter), and wheat (panko breadcrumbs).
  • Check packaged breadcrumbs for possible nut traces.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 375
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 39 g