These Are The Crispy, Creamy Garlic Parm Tenders Of Your Dreams!

Do you dare crave the ultimate chicken tenders—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor? Look no further! This Garlic Parmesan Tenders recipe is simple to make, loaded with delightful flavors, and great for a cozy dinner or fun snack. Picture crispy chicken tenders bathed in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that’s so good you’ll be coming back for more.

In this recipe, we first tenderize the chicken with buttermilk and pickle juice, then coat it in an acute seasoned flour mixture. Once the tenders are fried to golden perfection, they get a kick of flavor from a mouthwatering garlic Parmesan sauce. The result? The best crispy, creamy, delicious chicken tenders for any occasion. Let’s dive in!

Ingredient Overview:

Every ingredient in these savory Garlic Parm Tenders has a function—these flavor-packed go-tos are perfect for snacking or dipping (or, you know, devouring half a batch on your couch).

• The star of the recipe: chicken tenders! They’re tender, juicy, and fast-cooking.
• Buttermilk and Pickle Juice: These are tenderizers to keep the chicken juicy when frying.
• Seasoned Flour: The flour is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful coating for a nice, crispy crust.
• Butter: Enriches the garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Minced Garlic: The featured flavor that makes the sauce sing.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides the creamy sauce base, making it luscious and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it the classic cheesy flavor.
• Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: These spices create the ideal combination of heat and warmth.
• Fresh Parsley: A final flourish that lightens the dish up visually and otherwise.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here’s how to make these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Tenders. It is easier than it sounds, and it’s well worth every step; trust me.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• First soak your chicken tenders in a bowl of buttermilk and pickle juice. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender, and the pickle juice gives it a nice tang.
• Your chicken should marinate for 15 to 30 minutes for the full flavor to soak in.

2. Season the Flour:

• Combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a second bowl. This seasoned flour helps ensure the chicken has a nice, crisp crust.
• Set this flour mixture aside to coat the chicken with later.

3. Coat the Chicken:

• Once the chicken has soaked, remove each piece and shake off any excess liquid.
• Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to coat completely. This move is key for a crispy, golden appearance.

4. Fry the Chicken:

• Add oil in a frying pan on medium-high until oil is hot.
• Add each decorated chicken tender into hot oil carefully, one at a time. Fry until the tenders are golden brown and crispy, about 7 to 8 minutes, turning once in between.
• Take the chicken out of the oil and onto a wire rack to drain off excess oil. This keeps the tenders crisp.

5. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• In the same pan on medium heat, melt butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until aromatic.
• Add in fresh cracked black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Add in heavy whipping cream, stirring well, and allow to come to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in Parmesan and Parsley:

• When the cream just begins to bubble, stir in a handful of Parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
• But then you remove the heat and mix in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color.

7. Slather the Chicken with the Sauce:

• Now comes the fun part! Gently toss your crispy chicken tenders to coat them in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, with each piece completely covered.
• Gently combine everything so the chicken is coated with the sauce.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Your Garlic Parmesan Tenders are ready to serve! Serve them with a dipping sauce, a salad, and some crispy fries.

Serving Suggestions, Storage Tips, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Garlic Parmesan Tenders with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a filling meal.
• These tenders also play nicely with a creamy dipping sauce (ranch or blue cheese).

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days. To reheat, bake the tenders on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to help crisp them up.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Option: For a little kick, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Crispy: For extra crispy goodness, double coat your chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders? 

• Yes, you can! Simply slice the boneless chicken breast into strips the size of tenders.

2. Can I bake these chicken tenders and skip frying? 

• Yes, you can bake them! Lay the breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping at the halfway point, until golden and crispy.

3. Can I prep the garlic Parmesan sauce in advance? 

• Yes! As for the sauce, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.