BUTTERY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Buttery Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. A rich, buttery garlic sauce coats these chicken tenders, then plenty of Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for an extra burst of flavor.. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for a quick dinner, a tasty snack, or a party appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
HOMEMADE GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a tasty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. A savory mixture of garlic and Parmesan cheese coats these chicken tenders, then they’re baked or fried until they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The rich, buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the sharp, salty Parmesan, making each bite absolutely delicious. Easy to make and loved by both kids and adults, these chicken tenders are great for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun snack, or a party appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its best!
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
- Chicken Breasts: They are cut into strips to create tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
- Buttermilk: Used to marinate the chicken, buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- Cajun Spice: Adds a flavorful kick to the chicken with a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the chicken.
- Flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken strips before dipping them in the egg mixture.
- Eggs: Used to bind the coating to the chicken, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are light and airy, creating an extra crispy coating for the chicken tenders.
- Frying Oil: Needed for frying the chicken tenders to golden perfection. Use a high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is mixed with garlic and herbs to create a rich, flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic and savory flavor to the butter sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Used in the dipping sauce, it adds creaminess and richness.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds a fragrant, earthy note to the butter sauce.
- Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat, chili flakes are added to the butter sauce, balancing the richness with a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is mixed into the butter garlic sauce and sprinkled on top of the finished chicken tenders for a deliciously cheesy flavor.
These ingredients come together to create Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a family meal or a fun appetizer, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
STORAGE
Storing Leftovers:
- Cool Completely: Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing them to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Refrigeration: Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Microwave: While not recommended for the best texture, you can microwave the tenders on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. The breading may not be as crispy using this method.
Tips:
- To keep the tenders crispy, avoid stacking them on top of each other when storing.
- For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.
- If freezing, you can reheat the tenders directly from frozen; just increase the reheating time slightly.
Following these storage and reheating instructions will help you enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders just as deliciously as when they were first made!
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BUTTERY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE
- 400 g chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp Cajun spice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
FOR THE COATING
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg
FOR THE TOPPING
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To marinate the chicken, add in the chicken tenders, buttermilk, salt, pepper, Cajun spice and mix well. Let it marinate for 2 hours minimum.
- To prepare the coating station, fill in the first bowl with flour, salt, pepper and Cajun spice. Fill in the second bowl with egg, salt and pepper. Fill in the third bowl with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the tenders in the flour mixture first, then egg mixture then the panko breadcrumbs.
- Deep Fry the chicken tenders for about 15 minutes till golden brown.
- To prepare the topping, in a saucepan , add in the butter, minced garlic and cook it till it has browned.
- In a bowl, add in the mayonnaise, thyme, chili flakes, parmesan cheese and butter garlic mixture. Mix it well till combined.
- Top the chicken tenders with the garlic butter sauce and serve!