1 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe (Better Than Wingstop)

Key Takeaways

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a flavour explosion that rivals even Wingstop’s best. Evilchefmom presents a healthier, baked alternative that delivers the same satisfying crunch and irresistible taste, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

This crispy oven parmesan chicken recipe will quickly become a family favourite, providing a delicious and convenient option for dinner or snacks. Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly baked chicken tenders with a mouthwatering garlic butter chicken flavour and explore versatile dipping options for an enhanced culinary experience.

What Makes These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Better Than Wingstop’s?

These tenders offer a healthier, homemade alternative with a burst of garlic butter and parmesan flavour, surpassing Wingstop’s version in both taste and quality.

As the security experts at evilchefmom, we understand the importance of quality and satisfaction. That’s why we’ve developed this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders to be superior to Wingstop’s in several key aspects. Firstly, our recipe focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a richer and more authentic flavour. Unlike mass-produced fast food, these tenders are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in a taste that’s truly exceptional.

Secondly, our baking method offers a healthier alternative to deep frying. By baking the chicken tenders, we significantly reduce the amount of added fats and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. This method also ensures that the tenders are evenly cooked, maintaining a juicy interior while achieving a perfectly crispy exterior. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science in December 2023, baking chicken instead of frying can reduce fat content by up to 50%. This makes our recipe a much healthier option for families looking to enjoy a tasty treat without compromising on their well-being.

Thirdly, the homemade garlic parmesan coating is packed with flavour, creating a truly irresistible taste experience. The combination of freshly grated parmesan, fragrant garlic, and melted butter creates a symphony of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds. This coating adheres perfectly to the chicken, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Moreover, our recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the flavour profile to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a more intense garlic flavour or a subtle hint of herbs, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create your perfect batch of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. With simple step-by-step instructions and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious tenders in no time. This convenience factor makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The recipe is designed to be foolproof, ensuring that you achieve consistent and delicious results every time. By following our expert guidance, you can effortlessly create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

What are the Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken?

The key ingredients include chicken tenders, parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

To achieve the perfect garlic butter chicken, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential components:

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  Chicken Tenders: Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken tenders. Ensure they are of uniform size for even cooking. You can also use chicken breasts cut into tender-sized strips.
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  Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is essential for its rich, nutty flavour. Avoid using pre-grated cheese, as it often contains cellulose and lacks the same depth of flavour.
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  Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are preferred for their intense aroma and flavour. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the butter mixture.
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  Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, allowing you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Melt the butter slowly to prevent it from burning and to ensure it mixes well with the garlic and parmesan.
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  Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating. Their irregular texture creates a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken. You can find panko breadcrumbs in most major supermarkets in the UK.
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  Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs enhances the overall flavour of the chicken tenders. Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your personal preferences.

Here is a table summarizing the key ingredients and their benefits:

By using these high-quality ingredients and following our expert guidance, you can create garlic butter chicken tenders that are bursting with flavour and have a perfect crispy texture. This recipe is designed to deliver exceptional results, making it a go-to option for any occasion. The combination of fresh ingredients and precise techniques ensures that you achieve a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.

How Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Crispy in the Oven?

To achieve ultimate crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs, bake at a high temperature, and consider using a wire rack to allow air to circulate around the tenders.

Achieving crispy chicken tenders in the oven requires a few key techniques. As the security experts at evilchefmom, we’ve perfected the art of creating oven-baked tenders that rival their deep-fried counterparts. Here’s how to ensure your garlic parmesan chicken tenders are irresistibly crispy:

1. •
   Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier coating. Their irregular texture creates air pockets that enhance the crunch.
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   Bake at a High Temperature: Baking the chicken tenders at a temperature of 220°C (425°F) helps to quickly crisp the coating without drying out the chicken. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
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   Use a Wire Rack: Placing the chicken tenders on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, promoting even crisping. This prevents the bottom of the tenders from becoming soggy.
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   Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure the chicken tenders are spaced evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which prevents the tenders from crisping properly.
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   Lightly Coat with Oil: A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray helps the breadcrumbs to brown and crisp up. Avoid using too much oil, as this can make the tenders greasy.
6. •
   Flip Halfway Through Baking: Flipping the chicken tenders halfway through the baking process ensures that both sides are evenly browned and crispy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly crispy oven-baked chicken tenders:

1. •
   Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
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   Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
3. •
   Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender in the garlic parmesan mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. •
   Place on Wire Rack: Place the coated chicken tenders on the wire rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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   Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. •
   Serve: Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve perfectly crispy garlic parmesan chicken tenders in the oven. This healthier alternative to deep frying delivers the same satisfying crunch and flavour, making it a guilt-free indulgence for the whole family.

What are the Health Benefits of Baking Instead of Frying?

Baking reduces fat intake, lowers calorie count, and avoids the harmful effects of frying oils, making it a healthier option for preparing chicken tenders.

Choosing to bake instead of fry your chicken tenders offers numerous health advantages. As advocates for well-being at evilchefmom, we emphasize the importance of making informed dietary choices. Here’s why baking is a superior option:

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  Reduced Fat Intake: Baking significantly reduces the amount of added fats and calories. Deep frying involves submerging food in oil, which is absorbed into the chicken, increasing its fat content.
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  Lower Calorie Count: By avoiding the absorption of oil, baking results in a lower calorie count per serving. This is particularly beneficial for those managing their weight or following a calorie-controlled diet.
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  Avoids Harmful Effects of Frying Oils: Frying oils, especially when reused, can degrade and form harmful compounds such as trans fats and acrylamide. Baking eliminates this risk, ensuring that your chicken tenders are free from these potentially harmful substances. According to the Food Standards Agency in the UK, acrylamide levels in fried foods can be reduced by avoiding overcooking and following recommended cooking times.
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  Preserves Nutrients: Baking helps to preserve the natural nutrients in the chicken, as it avoids the high temperatures and prolonged cooking times associated with frying. This ensures that you are getting the maximum nutritional benefit from your meal.
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  Reduces Risk of Heart Disease: High consumption of fried foods has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. By choosing to bake instead of fry, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition.
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  Suitable for Various Dietary Needs: Baking is a versatile cooking method that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including gluten-free, low-carb, and dairy-free diets. This makes it an ideal option for those with specific dietary requirements.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key differences between baking and frying:

By understanding the health benefits of baking instead of frying, you can make a conscious decision to prioritize your well-being. Our garlic parmesan chicken tenders recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional fried options, allowing you to enjoy a tasty treat without compromising your health.

How Do I Make These Chicken Tenders Kid-Friendly?

Make the tenders kid-friendly by cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces, using mild seasonings, and serving them with popular dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.

To ensure these garlic parmesan chicken tenders are a hit with the kids, consider these tips from the security experts at evilchefmom:

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  Cut into Smaller Pieces: Smaller, bite-sized pieces are easier for children to handle and eat. Cut the chicken tenders into smaller strips or cubes before coating and baking.
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  Use Mild Seasonings: Children often prefer milder flavours. Reduce the amount of garlic and pepper in the recipe to suit their taste preferences. You can also add a touch of sweetness with a pinch of sugar or honey.
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  Serve with Popular Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of kid-friendly dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. These sauces can enhance the flavour and make the tenders more appealing to children.
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  Make it Fun: Get the kids involved in the cooking process. Allow them to help with tasks such as dipping the chicken tenders in the coating or arranging them on the baking sheet. This can make the experience more enjoyable and encourage them to try the finished product.
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  Offer Healthy Sides: Serve the chicken tenders with healthy sides such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or apple wedges. This can help to create a balanced and nutritious meal.
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  Presentation Matters: Arrange the chicken tenders and sides in an appealing way on the plate. Use colourful plates and serving dishes to make the meal more visually appealing to children.

💡 Verdict: These Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are an absolute triumph, offering a guilt-free yet utterly delicious experience that outshines traditional fried versions. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions