Golden Brown Delight: Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Introduction: Savoring the Crispy Delight
Ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok only to stumble upon a golden brown, mouthwatering dish that you absolutely had to try? Well, that was me with garlic parmesan chicken tenders. There's just something about the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic mingled with the nutty, sharp essence of parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a gorgeously crispy coating, that elevates the humble chicken tender to an experience of pure delight.
This culinary masterpiece isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's a game changer in home cooking that's captivated foodies and the whole family alike. It's the special ingredient, the garlic butter, and that perfect golden perfection that transform these chicken pieces into something you'd expect at a fast food restaurant, but better, right in your own kitchen. It's no wonder this tender recipe has taken social media by storm, becoming a favorite for picky eaters and gourmands alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Elevates chicken with a mix of garlic, parmesan, and crispy coating.
- Popularity Surge: This dish has won the hearts of families and food lovers, especially on TikTok.
- Culinary Game Changer: Brings restaurant-quality, crispy tenders into home kitchens, making it a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Why Chicken Tenders?
There's just something about chicken tenders that brings out the inner child in all of us, isn't there? For me, they're like a blank canvas in the kitchen—perfectly sized for getting creative with flavors and coatings. Whether it's the crunch of regular breadcrumbs or the rich, nutty taste of parmesan cheese, these little pieces of chicken have a way of transforming into something spectacular with the right ingredients. And let's not forget the versatility! Whether I'm whipping up a batch of garlic parmesan chicken tenders for a fast food craving fix or experimenting with something new for the entire family, these tenders adapt beautifully across a wide spectrum of cuisines. It's amazing how such a simple ingredient can bridge the gap between picky eaters and gourmet guests, paving the way for unforgettable family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients Overview
Having all your ducks—or should I say, chicken tenderloins—in a row makes a world of difference. Let's start with the egg mix, where you'll need 2 large eggs and ¾ cup of that thick, creamy buttermilk. If you're fresh out of buttermilk, worry not, because a little kitchen alchemy with milk and lemon juice will have you sorted.
Moving on to the dry mix that promises that crispy perfection we're all after: Measure out 1 cup of white flour, ¾ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese (the secret ingredient that takes these tenders from fast food to family favorite), a good handful of bread crumbs (4 tablespoons, to be precise), and for the flavor that'll have everyone asking for seconds—garlic powder, salt, paprika, onion powder, and a bit of black pepper to taste. Oh, and don’t forget that crucial teaspoon of baking powder for a little lift!
Now, for the chicken and the pan—grab 2 pounds of those tenderloins. You'll be amazed at how these simple chicken pieces transform into coated chicken tenders of crispy tenders, bathed in golden perfection once they hit the oven—a hot oven prepped with a generous ⅓ cup of melted butter, ready to turn your parmesan breadcrumb mixture into that golden brown, crunchy coating we all crave.
Trust me, laying out your ingredients like this not only makes the process smoother but also imbues a sense of calm to your cooking—allowing you to truly enjoy the art of creating something delicious for the whole family or perhaps just a special treat for yourself. Either way, it’s a win!
Preparing Your Kitchen
Getting ready to whip up a batch of golden brown, garlic parmesan chicken tenders? Oh, you're in for a treat! But before we dive into the chaos of cooking, let's chat about setting up your kitchen. Believe me, a little prep goes a long way, especially when you're aiming for that crispy perfection.
First off, preheat your oven to the magical number of 410°F. That hot oven is our secret weapon for achieving that golden perfection. Now, let's talk about the stage - your kitchen counter. I like to clear a nice, big space and lay out all my ingredients and utensils. It's like getting ready for a performance with my chicken tenders as the star. A dark roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet? Absolutely essential! They're like the unsung heroes that ensure our chicken pieces come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without sticking. So, grab that pan and let’s get started on our path to crispy chicken tenders glory!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Here’s how I make the crispiest, most delicious garlic parmesan chicken tenders that get my whole family excited every single time:
- Prep the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg whites and a splash of lemon juice. This special ingredient helps the flour mixture stick better.
- Mix the Coating: Combine flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl. This parmesan breadcrumb mixture is what gives these tenders their golden perfection.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken tenderloins into the egg wash, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. I always make sure each piece is evenly coated to ensure that crispy perfection we’re aiming for.
- Bake to Golden Brown Delight: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with olive oil. Bake in a hot oven until the internal temperature reaches the golden standard, and you see that beautiful golden brown crispiness.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- Be sure to use good large sized mixing bowls to coat your chicken tenders and to toss in sauce when done.
- For best results use a dark roasting pan without a non-stick coating (or a rimmed baking sheet).
- Carefully flip the chicken using an offset spatula to prevent the breading from falling off.
Serving Suggestions
Once you've achieved that golden perfection with your garlic parmesan chicken tenders, it's all about the presentation and those final touches that bring a meal from great to unforgettable. I'm all for encouraging a bit of creativity when it comes to serving. Why not lay out your crispy chicken tenders on a sheet of parchment paper? Not only does it make for an effortless cleanup, but it also gives that rustic, inviting vibe that makes everyone want to dive in.
When it comes to dipping sauces, the world is your oyster. Whether you're a fan of honey mustard sauce, marinara sauce, or maybe a creamy sauce, there's no wrong choice. For sides, think of something light and fresh to balance the savory richness of the chicken—a simple salad or some steamed veggies do wonders. Remember, this meal is about bringing joy and comfort, so serve it up in a style that reflects you and your loved ones' tastes.
Storage Tips
Now, after you've sizzled and served up those golden brown delights, let’s talk about how to keep any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders just as enchanting for your next meal. Picture this: you've got a few crispy tenders left, and you want them to stay just as tempting for tomorrow. Here’s how I do it - wrap them up gently in a paper towel, snug as can be. This little step helps wick away any excess moisture, keeping the chicken pieces delightfully crispy. Then, slide them into an airtight container. Trust me, it's like a little treasure chest for your tenders, locking in that delicious flavor.
If you're wondering about how long these treasures last, in the refrigerator, they’re your best buddies for a quick meal within 3-4 days. Planning to tuck them away for longer? The freezer extends your adventure to 2-3 months. Just make sure to give them a warm welcome back with proper reheating for that perfect crispy texture - a hot oven works wonders to resurrect that golden perfection.
Gather Around the Golden Feast
There's something truly special about gathering around a golden feast of garlic parmesan crispy chicken tenders that brings out joy and laughter among loved ones. The golden brown perfection, the crunch of the crispy coating mixed with the savory notes of parmesan and garlic, create not just a meal, but an experience. As we've journeyed through the steps from mixing breadcrumbs and spices to pulling those tender pieces of chicken out of the hot oven, it’s been about more than just food; it’s been about creating memories.
I encourage you, wholeheartedly, to try making these garlic parmesan chicken tenders in your own kitchen. Imagine the smells wafting through your home, the anticipation building as you prepare a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s not just an easy weeknight meal; it’s a way to bring a piece of culinary delight into your regular schedule, turning an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
And when you do give these crispy tenders a try, don't keep the deliciousness to yourself! Share your masterpiece on social media, show off your golden perfection, and let us all in on your favorite dips or sides to pair with. Your unique twists, your tender story—every kitchen experiment and every shared meal adds to the collective joy of cooking. So, grab your parchment paper or your favorite baking sheet, get those chicken tenderloins ready, and let's make some memories, one crispy chicken tender at a time.
Ingredients
- For the egg mix:
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup buttermilk must be thick buttermilk; see notes for substitutes
- For the dry mix:
- 1 cup white flour
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt or less to taste
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the chicken and the pan:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- ⅓ cup butter
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Place a dark roasting pan without a non-stick coating (or a rimmed baking sheet) in the oven to heat.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Prepare dry flour mixture: In another bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Bread the chicken:
- First, lightly coat all the chicken pieces by tossing them in the dry flour mixture.
- Then, generously coat the chicken by dipping them into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat each piece again in the dry flour mixture, ensuring a thick layer. Be sure to have enough of the mixture under each piece of chicken to prevent sticking, and generously cover the top with the flour mix. Use the back of a tablespoon to press the breading onto the chicken, flattening the pieces slightly for even thickness and a thick coating.
- Bake: Remove the heated pan from the oven and melt two-thirds of the butter on it. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the pan and dot with the remaining butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
- Carefully flip the chicken using an offset spatula to prevent the breading from falling off, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Finish by broiling for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest: Carefully transfer the chicken from the pan to a cooling rack. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving immediately.
Sandy says
Just AMAZING!
I had to severely reduce quantities as I made this for a very elderly couple I care for.
I also made the buttermilk with half and half and a dash of vinegar.
I tried a bit. Wonderful flavour, tender as can be!