Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders featuring a crunchy panko crust seasoned with garlic and paprika, topped with a savory garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Served with a refreshing cos lettuce salad and a creamy homemade dipping sauce, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a 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
Crumb 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
Chicken
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken tenderloins (mini fillets) or sliced boneless, skinless breast
- Olive oil spray (for cooking)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 50 g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated parmesan (for sprinkling after baking)
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
Serving Suggestion
- Air fryer chips, crispy oven fries or freezer fries
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer – Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C fan/400°F fan-forced) and let it heat for 10–15 minutes after reaching temperature to ensure it’s fully hot for crisp results. Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Make the dipping sauce – In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt or sour cream, freshly minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, chives, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the crumb – In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, sweet paprika, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Place the flour in a separate bowl and whisk the eggs in another bowl.
- Coat the chicken – Dust each chicken tenderloin in the flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, followed by coating thoroughly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to help them stick.
- Bake or air fry – For the oven: Arrange the coated chicken on a lightly oiled rack set over a tray or directly on a heavy, unlined tray sprayed with oil. Space pieces evenly and spray the tops with olive oil spray. Bake for 16–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through and spraying with oil again, until golden and cooked through. Do not bake longer than 22 minutes to avoid drying. For the air fryer: Spray the basket with oil, place the chicken in a single layer, spray tops with oil, then cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until crisp and golden. Do not exceed 18 minutes.
- Make the garlic butter – In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with freshly minced garlic, sea salt flakes, and finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- Finish the chicken – As soon as the chicken is cooked and golden, generously brush with the garlic butter and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan. The warm chicken will slightly melt the cheese, allowing it to cling beautifully to the crust.
- Make the cos salad – Toss the strips of cos lettuce with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving to keep the leaves fresh and crisp.
- Serve – Plate the garlic parmesan chicken tenders with the creamy dipping sauce, dressed cos salad, your choice of air fryer chips, crispy oven fries or freezer fries, and lemon wedges for added zest.
Notes
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated and hot before baking for the crispiest coating.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crunchy texture.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere well.
- Do not overcook the chicken tenders to keep them juicy and tender.
- The garlic butter and parmesan finishing step adds a rich and flavorful touch.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
