Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dinner option that’s quick and easy to make! These tenders are coated with a cheesy, herby breadcrumb mix and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Paired with homemade chips and a creamy garlic herb dip, this meal is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s made healthier by air-frying instead of deep-frying, without losing any of the crunch or flavor!
Method
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Begin by preparing the chicken tenders. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form a flavorful coating for the chicken. Next, slice the chicken breasts into strips of even thickness to ensure consistent cooking. To coat the chicken, dip each strip into a whisked egg, making sure the egg covers the entire surface. After that, press the chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully covered with the herby, cheesy breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with each strip of chicken until all pieces are coated in the breadcrumb mixture. Once all the chicken strips are coated, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and carefully sear each chicken tender for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds extra flavor and a crispy outer layer to the chicken, enhancing the texture when air-fried.
Cook the Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Once the chicken tenders are seared, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Carefully place the seared chicken strips in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out properly to allow for even airflow. Set the air fryer to 180°C and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Be sure to flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The result will be a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior, thanks to the air fryer’s even heat distribution.
Prepare the Chips
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the chips. Start by cutting the potatoes into thin fries or wedges, depending on your preference. Place the potato fries into the air fryer basket, then lightly spray them with oil to help achieve that crispy, golden texture. Season with salt to taste, ensuring the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning. Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook the fries for 25 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure that the fries cook evenly and crisp up on all sides. The air fryer works wonders for making crispy, homemade chips without the need for deep-frying.
Make the Garlic Herb Dip
While the chicken tenders and chips are cooking, prepare the garlic herb dip. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt with crushed garlic, salt, oregano, and parsley. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated. This creamy dip is packed with fresh garlic and herbs, making it the perfect accompaniment to both the chicken tenders and the crispy chips. Let the dip sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense flavor profile.
By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both crispy and flavorful. The chicken tenders are juicy on the inside with a crunchy, cheesy exterior, and the homemade chips are perfectly crispy, making for a perfect combination when paired with the creamy garlic herb dip.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Frying pan
- Tongs
- Small whisk or fork
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 chicken breasts around 300g
- 40 g breadcrumbs
- 30 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 whisked egg
- For the Chips:
- 300 g potatoes cut into fries
- Spray oil
- Salt to taste
- For the Garlic Herb Dip:
- 100 g fat-free Greek yogurt
- 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken TendersMix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips.Dip each strip into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly sear the tenders for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders in the Air FryerPlace the seared chicken strips in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the ChipsAdd the potato fries to the air fryer drawer, spray with oil, and season with salt.Cook at 190°C for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Make the Garlic Herb DipIn a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, salt, oregano, and parsley. Set aside to let the flavors blend while the chicken and chips cook.
Notes
- Even Coating: Make sure the chicken is well-coated in breadcrumbs to get that crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken and chips in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so check the chicken and chips a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the chicken tenders and chips with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Use the garlic herb dip for the chicken and chips, or drizzle it over the salad as a dressing.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the chicken tenders for a burst of flavor and color.
Fun Fact
Did you know Parmesan cheese originated in Italy over 800 years ago? It’s still made today using traditional methods, and its unique nutty flavor makes it perfect for recipes like this!
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a quick and satisfying dinner that combines crispy chicken, homemade chips, and a creamy garlic dip. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Try it out and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite! 😋