Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Golden Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips in a white bowl topped with parsley.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

These tender garlic parmesan chicken tenders are coated in a light Parmesan and garlic crust that bakes (or air fries) until golden and crispy. Every bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor without a heavy breading, making them perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Author: Bailey Rhatigan

Equipment

oven or air fryer
large bowl
parchment paper

Ingredients

1½ lb chicken strips or chicken breasts sliced
½ Tablespoon cooking spray
4 Tablespoon flour or arrowroot powder
1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot
½ tsp each salt and pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder & onion powder
½ cup parmesan more for serving if desired

Garlic Butter Finish

1 Tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (extra for added finish to the tenders)
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. For extra crispiness, place the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
Mix the coatings. In a shallow bowl, add the flour arrowroot or cornstarch, seasonings most the finely grated parmesan.
Dredge the chicken strips through the flour mixture to ensure it's evenly covered on all sides, shake
Place on the prepared baking sheet and continue the process until your strips are all coated and laying flat on the baking sheet. Let them sit for 4-5 minutes to rehydrate the flour mix.
Lightly spritz the chicken strips with cooking spray on the top side, this will help to give them a golden crust. Place in the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes.
While they are cooking quickly sauté the minced garlic with the oil or butter and set aside for brushing.
Pull the strips out and brush garlic oil/garlic butter on them and add more shredded Parmesan. Place back in the oven for another 2-4 minutes or until the strips are cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 165º.
If cooking in the air fryer, cook for 10-12 minutes and then add the leftover cheese and garlic butter and cook for another 2 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.

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