1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures that the coating sticks to the chicken. If the chicken tenders are very thick, you can also cut them into smaller strips for a more even cook.

Next, season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like, such as paprika or cayenne pepper. This will help add flavor directly to the chicken before it’s coated in the garlic parmesan mixture.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

To bread the chicken tenders, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or plates:

• In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
• In the second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly with a fork.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix these ingredients well to ensure the garlic and parmesan are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated and shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring that the entire surface of the chicken is coated with egg wash. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

For extra crispy tenders, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more for a double coating. This will create an even thicker crust and ensure the tenders stay crispy throughout the cooking process.

4. Cook the Chicken Tenders

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the tenders in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Cook the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the tenders gently to avoid disrupting the breading. The chicken should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

5. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter.

Once the garlic is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. This will create a smooth, cheesy, and garlicky sauce to toss the chicken tenders in.

6. Toss the Chicken Tenders in Garlic Parmesan Butter

Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the garlic parmesan butter over the tenders and toss gently to coat each one in the savory sauce. The melted parmesan will cling to the tenders, creating a delicious, flavorful coating.

Garnish the chicken tenders with additional parsley or grated parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and a pretty presentation.

7. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Serve the garlic parmesan chicken tenders immediately, while they’re still hot and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara, or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying meal. These tenders are perfect served alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.