Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

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When I’m craving something comforting yet crispy, these Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip never fail to deliver. They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, and irresistibly juicy inside — the kind of homemade meal that feels like a treat without being complicated. The garlic dip adds that creamy, tangy touch that takes each bite to a whole new level of satisfaction.

I love making these for casual dinners, quick lunches, or party platters. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and surprisingly easy to pull together with pantry staples. Whether you’re serving them hot from the pan or packing them for a picnic, they hold their crunch beautifully and pair well with just about anything.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

These tenders hit the perfect balance of savory, crispy, and creamy. The parmesan in the crust creates a nutty, salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Plus, the garlic dip is rich and velvety — the ultimate partner for dipping. You’ll also appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for weeknights or unexpected guests.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts sliced into strips. Chicken tenders are already the perfect size and incredibly tender, which saves prep time. If using breasts, make sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of parmesan, pecorino romano makes a great alternative with a slightly sharper bite. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. Want a dairy-free version? Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast and opt for a plant-based dip. And if you prefer baking over frying, these turn out beautifully in the oven with just a light drizzle of oil over the top.

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Ingredients for this Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

Chicken tenders – The star of the dish, these are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for crispy coatings.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.

Panko breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after cooking.

All-purpose flour – Forms the first layer in the dredging station to help the egg adhere.

Eggs – Acts as the binding layer to hold the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken.

Garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor to the breadcrumb mix and gives a savory punch.

Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer to enhance the flavor.

Fresh parsley – Used for garnish to add freshness and a pop of color.

Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the garlic dip.

Minced garlic – The flavor backbone of the dip, bringing bold, savory notes.

Lemon juice – Cuts through the richness of the dip with a bright, tangy finish.

Chopped chives – A fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the garlic dip.

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Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, grated parmesan, and garlic powder. This step ensures each tender gets evenly coated for maximum crunch.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko-parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.

Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat a layer of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tenders in batches. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan to maintain that crisp texture.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Dip

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and a little pepper. Stir well until smooth and chill until ready to serve. The dip tastes even better if made ahead and left to sit for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the tenders are done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with the chilled garlic dip on the side.

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How Long to Prepare the Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

Prep Time: Most of your time will go into setting up the dredging station and breading the tenders. Expect to spend about 15–20 minutes getting everything ready, especially if you’re grating fresh parmesan and chopping herbs for the dip.

Cooking Time: Pan-frying takes around 6–8 minutes per batch, depending on the size of your skillet. With 2–3 batches, you’re looking at 15–20 minutes total. Making the garlic dip takes only 5 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t bind or brown as well.
• Press the breading mixture onto the chicken firmly to ensure it sticks and crisps up.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for pan-frying.
• Keep the heat moderate — too high and the crust burns before the chicken cooks through.
• Let the fried tenders rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping seasoning layers: Underseasoned flour or eggs results in bland chicken.
• Overcrowding the pan: This lowers the oil temp and results in soggy tenders.
• Using too much oil: You only need a shallow fry, not a deep one.
• Not draining properly: Letting tenders sit in oil can make them greasy.
• Overcooking the garlic in the dip: Raw garlic is fine; cooking it can make the flavor overly intense or bitter.

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What to Serve With Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip?

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and savory, they’re the perfect soft sidekick to crispy chicken.

2. Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A fresh, tangy salad balances the richness of the tenders and dip.

3. Sweet Potato Fries

Slightly sweet and crisp, these fries offer contrast in both flavor and color.

4. Roasted Veggie Medley

Think carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers — light, colorful, and healthy.

5. Mac and Cheese

If you’re feeling indulgent, this classic comfort food pairing never disappoints.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenders for up to 1 month. Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.

Garlic Dip: Store in a separate sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (3–4 tenders with dip):

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be as crispy. Crushed cornflakes or crushed rice crackers are good alternatives.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for a golden finish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely — kids love the crispy texture and mild flavor. You can skip the garlic dip or replace it with ketchup or ranch for little ones.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, you can bread the tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. The garlic dip can be made a day ahead too.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cut into the thickest part — it should be white throughout with no pink. An internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s safely cooked.

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Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Garlic Dip are a delicious upgrade to your usual chicken dinner. With their unbeatable crunch and that bold, creamy garlic dip, they’re bound to become a favorite. Easy to make, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying — whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings the crunch every time.

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