Description

Crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a perfect combination of seasoned, breaded chicken fried to golden perfection and served with a rich, garlicky Parmesan mayo sauce. This quick 30-minute recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a crunchy crust and a savory dipping sauce that’s perfect for a family meal or a satisfying appetizer.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

2 lbs chicken tenders
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder

Dredging Station

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
2-3 eggs
1 tbsp water or milk
2-2.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Mayo Sauce

0.75 cup mayonnaise
0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 garlic cloves (minced or roasted)
1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

For Frying

Oil for frying (enough to heat to 350°F)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder onto the chicken to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.
Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the seasoned flour, a second with eggs beaten with water or milk, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken tender first in flour, then into the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the panko mixture. Place the coated tenders on a tray and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to set the crust.
Fry the Chicken Tenders: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches of 3-4 to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 4-6 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove tenders and drain on a wire rack to keep crispiness.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Mayo Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely grated Parmesan, minced or roasted garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to taste. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Finish and Serve: Let the fried chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle the garlic Parmesan mayo sauce over the tenders or gently toss them in it. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F for optimal crispiness and to avoid greasy chicken.
Resting the breaded tenders before frying helps the coating stick and prevents falling off.
You can roast garlic beforehand for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor in the mayo sauce.
Use a wire rack to drain the fried tenders instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to personal preference.