Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

There’s something incredibly comforting about crispy fried chicken, especially when it’s coated in a delicious garlic and parmesan crust. The first time I made Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, I was hosting a few friends for a cozy movie night. I wanted a dish that would not only satisfy their cravings but also allow me to enjoy the evening without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of the chicken frying in the skillet filled the room, and as my friends arrived, they couldn’t help but sneak bites before we even sat down! These tenders quickly became a favorite, and I love making them for gatherings or just a simple dinner at home.

Every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to that night filled with laughter and good company. The combination of tender chicken, the crunch of the coating, and the rich flavor from the parmesan is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are sure to impress!

Shopping List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

When crafting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each component contributes to the overall success of the dish, ensuring that your tenders are not just tasty but also memorable. Let’s dive into the essentials you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

• 2 lbs Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish, these are tender and juicy, providing a wonderful base for the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying, it creates that crispy outside we all crave.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken during marinating.
• ¼ cup Dill Pickle Juice: A secret ingredient that adds a tangy kick to the chicken.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• 1 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the dish.
• ½ tsp Paprika: Gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness.
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour: Forms the crunchy coating that makes these tenders irresistible.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the flavors of garlic and adds depth.
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper: For those who like a bit of heat!
• 1 tsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning: A blend that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tbsp Lawry’s Seasoning: Adds additional flavor to the flour mixture.
• ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper: More seasoning for the flour mixture.
• 1 stick Butter, melted: Mixed with the final coating for richness.
• ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Gives that iconic flavor and richness.
• 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish and freshness.

Recipe Directions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is a step-by-step process that’s simple and enjoyable. Let’s get started!

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Make sure everything is mixed nicely; you want every piece of chicken to soak in this delicious blend.

2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and ensure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. This is crucial for flavor, as the chicken will absorb all those tasty spices while marinating. Let it sit for a bit—around 30 minutes if you can. This helps maximize the flavor!

3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the flour mixture. In a separate large bowl, combine flour, Lawry’s seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic and herb seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This blend is what gives the chicken that crispy, flavorful crust that we all love.

4. Once the marinating time is up, take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides generously. This step is essential for achieving that perfect crunch. Place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack; this allows excess flour to fall off and prevents them from getting soggy.

5. In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking. The right temperature is key, as it will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.

6. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them until they are browned on both sides, which generally takes about 6 to 8 minutes total. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If the chicken is browning too quickly, turn the heat down to avoid burning.

7. After they’re cooked, remove the tenders from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is important to keep them crispy and not greasy. Continue frying the remaining batches of chicken tenders, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan.

8. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and an additional garlic powder. This mixture will give your chicken an extra layer of flavor. You can either dredge the fried tenders in this mixture or use a pastry brush to apply it. Either way, make sure to cover them well.

9. Serve the chicken tenderloins immediately. They pair beautifully with homemade ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crunch and savor the deliciousness!

Change It Up

While Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are fantastic as-is, there are countless ways to change things up! Here are some fun ideas to experiment with.

• Try Different Cheeses: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with other cheeses like cheddar or asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Variations: Amp up the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or try using hot sauce in the marinade.
• Herb Mix: Add in fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the flour mixture for a fresh twist.
• Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier version, try baking the chicken tenders in the oven at 400 degrees until golden. Just lightly spray them with oil.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour for dredging to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Dip Varieties: Experiment with different dips aside from ranch, such as tzatziki, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.

Accompaniments for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

When serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, consider pairing them with delightful sides and beverages to round out the meal. Here are some delicious accompaniments:

• Fresh Salads: A light garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetable Sticks: Serve with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a refreshing contrast.
• Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries are always a hit as a side dish!
• Dips: Offer a variety of dips on the side such as ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce.
• Occasions: These tenders are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or even a casual dinner.
• Drinks: Pair with refreshing beverages like iced tea or light beers for adults and lemonade for a family-friendly touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of flavor and crunch that makes them a go-to dish for any occasion. They not only satisfy hunger but also bring joy to the table, whether enjoyed during a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. I encourage you to try making them at home; it’s a rewarding experience that will have everyone raving about your cooking. With their unbeatable taste and versatility, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and satisfying. Make them tonight for a dish everyone will love!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Chicken Tenders
• Vegetable Oil For frying
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• ¼ cup Dill Pickle Juice
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Paprika
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder For the flour mixture
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Lawry's Seasoning
• ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 stick Butter, melted
• ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley For garnish
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder For the final mix

Equipment

• cast-iron skillet

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Make sure everything is mixed nicely; you want every piece of chicken to soak in this delicious blend.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and ensure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. This is crucial for flavor, as the chicken will absorb all those tasty spices while marinating. Let it sit for a bit—around 30 minutes if you can. This helps maximize the flavor!
3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the flour mixture. In a separate large bowl, combine flour, Lawry's seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic and herb seasoning, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This blend is what gives the chicken that crispy, flavorful crust that we all love.
4. Once the marinating time is up, take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides generously. This step is essential for achieving that perfect crunch. Place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack; this allows excess flour to fall off and prevents them from getting soggy.
5. In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking. The right temperature is key, as it will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them until they are browned on both sides, which generally takes about 6 to 8 minutes total. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If the chicken is browning too quickly, turn the heat down to avoid burning.
7. After they’re cooked, remove the tenders from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is important to keep them crispy and not greasy. Continue frying the remaining batches of chicken tenders, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan.
8. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and an additional garlic powder. This mixture will give your chicken an extra layer of flavor. You can either dredge the fried tenders in this mixture or use a pastry brush to apply it. Either way, make sure to cover them well.
9. Serve the chicken tenderloins immediately. They pair beautifully with homemade ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crunch and savor the deliciousness!

Notes

• Dips: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or tzatziki for a variety of flavors.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.