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Plate of crispy fried garlic Parmesan chicken tenders coated in creamy sauce on a black plate

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy panko-crusted garlic Parmesan chicken tenders fried at 350°F and tossed with a cold garlic Parmesan mayo sauce made from Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Seasoning
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Egg Wash
  • 2-3 eggs
  • 1 tbsp water or milk
Breading
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 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
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced or roasted
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Instant-read or candy thermometer
  • Wire rack and sheet pan
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
  2. Set up dredge station: seasoned flour, egg wash, panko. Dredge each tender flour to egg to panko. Press panko firmly. Rest 10-15 minutes.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in batches of 3-4 for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal. Drain on a wire rack.
  4. Mix garlic Parmesan mayo: mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, pepper, and salt. Whisk smooth and let sit 10 minutes.
  5. Rest tenders 2-3 minutes. Drizzle or lightly toss with garlic Parmesan mayo. Finish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Hold 350°F: Panko burns fast above 375°F. Use a thermometer and fry small batches.
Rest before frying: 10-15 minutes lets the breading set and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
Sauce on the side: For maximum crunch, serve the garlic Parmesan mayo as a dip instead of tossing.

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