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Skip the fast food and whip up these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders instead, trust me they will really cure any cravings and the family will rave about them! These tender chicken strips are coated in a savory blend of seasonings, garlic and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully as they bake (or air fry!)
Every bite is packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness without the need for a heavy sauce, making these tenders irresistibly delicious on their own. We are a big time chicken tender family over here, and the flavor combos are endless. This is one of our top favorites.
Ingredient Notes
A few notes about the ingredients that make the biggest difference in this recipe. The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Tenders. I just make my own out of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just try to slice them all about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Cornstarch Or Arrowroot. This is part of the light batter, similar to my Naked Chicken Tenders, this recipe has a very light coating without sacrificing the crispiness.
- Seasonings. Garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika.
- Garlic Cloves. Use frozen/thawed or fresh garlic for more punch.
- Parmesan. You can also use pecorino.
Simple Steps To Make This Recipe
Ready to cook up these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips? Let me walk you through the recipe. For your convenience, there is a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
1. If you are making these chicken strips, preheat your oven or air fryer to 375º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. For extra crispiness, place the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
2. Mix the coating. In a shallow bowl, add the arrowroot or cornstarch, seasonings and most of the grated parmesan and minced garlic (I like to keep a few tablespoons to the side to add in the middle of the cook). Whisk well.
3. Dredge the chicken strips through the mixture to ensure it’s evenly covered on all side. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue the process until your strips are all coated and laying flat on the baking sheet.
4. Lightly spritz the chicken strips with cooking spray on the top side, this will help to giving them a golden crust. Place in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
5. Pull the strips out and place the remaining parmesan and minced garlic on the top. Place back in the oven for another 4-6 minutes or until the strips are cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 165º. If cooking in the air fryer, cook for 8-10 minutes and then add the leftover cheese and garlic and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
6. Let them cool for a minute or two and serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
What To Serve With These Chicken Strips
These garlic parmesan strips paid wonderfully with fries, chips or healthier options like grilled veggies or salads. Try them with my White Bean Salad for a yummy meal.
Make The Best Chicken Strips
- By keeping all the strips equal in size they will cook better and more evenly.
- Adding the second amount of parmesan and garlic ensures that the breading doesn’t burn and it gives them an added boost of flavor. This step is optional.
- Pair these with your favorite dipping sauces!
Other Chicken Recipes To Love
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips
Equipment
- oven or air fryer
- large bowl
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken strips , or chicken breasts sliced
- 4 Tbsp cornstarch , or arrowroot powder
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder & onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. For extra crispiness, place the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
- Mix the coating. In a shallow bowl, add the arrowroot or cornstarch, seasonings and most of the grated parmesan and minced garlic (I like to keep a few tablespoons to the side to add in the middle of the cook). Whisk well.
- Dredge the chicken strips through the mixture to ensure it's evenly covered on all side. Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue the process until your strips are all coated and laying flat on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spritz the chicken strips with cooking spray on the top side, this will help to giving them a golden crust. Place in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Pull the strips out and place the remaining parmesan and minced garlic on the top. Place back in the oven for another 4-6 minutes or until the strips are cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 165º. If cooking in the air fryer, cook for 8-10 minutes and then add the leftover cheese and garlic and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
- Let them cool for a minute or two and serve as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- If using slice chicken breasts, try to keep all the strips about the same size and thickness so they cook evenly.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Both Parmesan and Pecorino work.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze these for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or in the air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
