Perfect Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Ever found yourself staring into the fridge, stomach rumbling, wishing for a gourmet meal that practically makes itself? We’ve all been there! The good news is, your dinner dilemma just met its match. Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that delivers big on flavor with shockingly little effort: our incredible Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Forget takeout menus and complicated cooking; this dish is your new weeknight superhero, promising juicy, flavorful chicken that’s ready to impress in mere minutes of prep time. Get ready to elevate your dinner game without breaking a sweat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become a staple in your kitchen, but let’s narrow it down to the top four that will have you reaching for your apron:

• Lightning-Fast Prep: True to its name, this recipe requires just 5 minutes of hands-on preparation. Seriously! You’ll be coating chicken faster than you can say “garlic parmesan.” It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable.
• Explosion of Flavor: Imagine tender, succulent chicken bathed in a creamy, savory sauce, infused with aromatic garlic and salty, nutty Parmesan cheese. Every bite is a delightful burst of classic flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• Healthy & Guilt-Free: With just 342 calories, 0.5g total carbs, and a whopping 33g of protein per serving, this dish is a dream come true for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein, and all-around healthy meal option. It’s nourishing without compromising on taste.
• Effortlessly Versatile: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a solo feast, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders fit the bill. They’re easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress seasoned cooks.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gathering your ingredients for these sensational Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is a breeze. You likely have most of these pantry staples already on hand! Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: The star of the show! Tenderloins are naturally uniform in size, ensuring even cooking.
• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise: This is your secret weapon for incredible moisture and a built-in sauce that crisps up beautifully.
• 3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese: The cheesy magic! Divided for both coating and a delightful topping.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that essential aromatic garlic kick without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: To enhance all the delicious flavors and ensure a perfectly seasoned dish.

That’s it! Five simple ingredients for an unforgettable meal. Quality ingredients make all the difference, so opt for good quality Parmesan if you can.

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions on How to Make the Recipe

Get ready to whip up these incredible Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with our easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prep Your Sheet: First things first, get your oven sizzling! Preheat it to a hot 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup imaginable, or give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial for preventing sticking!
2. Whip Up the Creamy Coating: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your flavor powerhouse: the light mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of the finely shredded Parmesan cheese (save the rest for later!), the fragrant garlic powder, and the essential sea salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is smoothly combined and looks irresistibly creamy.
3. Coat the Chicken: Now for the fun part! Add your 2.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins directly into the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Using tongs or your clean hands, gently toss the chicken until every single piece is beautifully and evenly coated. You want each tenderloin thoroughly hugged by that garlicky, cheesy sauce.
4. Arrange & Top: Carefully arrange the coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little breathing room between them – don’t overcrowd the pan, as this helps them bake evenly and crisp up nicely. Once arranged, take the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and generously sprinkle it over all the chicken pieces. This creates that glorious cheesy crust!
5. Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your tenders and your specific oven. You’re looking for the chicken to be thoroughly cooked. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer; it should register an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For extra juicy results, you can pull them out a little earlier, around 158°F (70°C), and let them rest for a few minutes. The residual heat will continue to cook them to perfection.
6. *Optional Golden Finish:* Want that irresistible golden-brown crust? Turn on your oven’s broiler for an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them during this step, as broilers work fast and can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash!

And just like that, you’ve created a show-stopping meal! Let them cool slightly before serving.

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

The beauty of these Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders isn’t just in their speed and flavor, but also in their incredible versatility! They’re fantastic on their own, but here are some delightful ways you can present and serve them:

• Classic Main Course: Serve them hot off the baking sheet as the star of your dinner plate. Pair them with a vibrant green salad, some fluffy rice, roasted asparagus, or a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Sensational Salad Topper: Slice the cooked tenders into bite-sized pieces and add them to your favorite garden salad or Caesar salad. The savory chicken adds a fantastic protein boost and a punch of flavor that transforms a simple salad into a hearty meal.
• Party Appetizer Powerhouse: Arrange the tenders on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces! Think marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or even an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. They make an incredibly popular and easy-to-eat finger food for gatherings.
• Wrap or Sandwich Filler: Shred or slice the chicken and tuck it into warm tortillas, pita bread, or a toasted sub roll. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a quick and delicious lunch or light dinner.
• Pasta Perfection: Cut the tenders into strips and toss them with your favorite pasta and a light sauce. A simple olive oil and garlic sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo, would be divine with these flavorful chicken pieces.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Children often adore chicken tenders! Serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or fruit for a meal they’ll happily gobble up.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit!

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Got leftovers of your delicious Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders? Fantastic! They store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Once your chicken tenders have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently to maintain their juiciness.
• Freezing: If you’ve made a larger batch or want to save some for a future meal, these tenders freeze well! After cooling, place the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To Reheat:

• From the Refrigerator: You can reheat them in the microwave (start with 30-60 seconds, then in 15-second intervals until heated through), in a toaster oven, or in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• From the Freezer: For best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If reheating from frozen, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, turning once.

Always ensure chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

FAQs

Have questions about these amazing Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders? We’ve got answers! Here are 10 common queries to help you master this recipe:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
   Yes, absolutely! If using chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch thick strips (similar in size to tenderloins) to ensure even cooking and similar bake times.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   With only 0.5g net carbs per serving, this recipe is incredibly keto-friendly and a fantastic option for those following a low-carb diet.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Unfortunately, a key component is Parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free version, you would need to omit the Parmesan and replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative, which may alter the flavor profile significantly.
4. What if I don’t have light mayonnaise?
   Regular full-fat mayonnaise works perfectly fine! The light mayonnaise is used to slightly reduce the fat content, but full-fat will give you an even richer flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this spicy?
   Absolutely! Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise mixture for a subtle kick, or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
6. How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
   The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a tenderloin; it should read 160°F (71°C) when removed from the oven, as it will continue to cook a bit while resting.
7. Can I grill or air fry these?
   While developed for baking, you could likely adapt them for air frying (around 375°F/190°C for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway) or even grilling (on medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side), though the mayo coating might drip on a grill. Baking is recommended for the crispiest, easiest result.
8. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   You can whisk together the mayonnaise mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. For best results, coat the chicken just before baking, as leaving it coated for too long might make the chicken a bit too moist.
9. What sides pair well with this?
   These tenders are wonderfully versatile! Think roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans), a fresh garden salad, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a light pasta dish.
10. Why is the “broil” step optional?
    The broil step is purely for aesthetic and textural preference! It gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust and can enhance the crispiness of the cheesy topping. The chicken will be fully cooked without it, so it’s entirely up to you!