Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders offer a mouthwatering blend of crispy texture and rich, savory flavors. This recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken tenderloins, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, combined with a golden cornstarch crust to create a delightful dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, or breasts cut into strips
2 cups corn starch
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 cups buttermilk
3 cloves garlic, smashed
3 egg whites
Oil for frying
Sauce:
1 cup garlic parmesan salad dressing
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, beat together the egg whites, buttermilk, and smashed garlic cloves. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Coating:
In a separate dish, mix the corn starch, grated parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the corn starch mixture until well coated.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, mix the garlic parmesan dressing with black pepper and additional grated parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
Serve:
Serve the chicken tenders hot with the garlic parmesan sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor infusion and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though marinating for a couple of hours can enhance the taste even more.
- Cheese Tips: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese can significantly improve the flavor as fresh cheese melts better and offers a richer taste.
- Cooking Options: Both frying and baking methods are detailed to cater to different dietary needs. Baking is a healthier option as it uses less oil, but frying gives a more traditional crispy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Experiment with various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy buffalo sauce to find your favorite pairing. Serve with light side dishes such as a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be transformed into a hearty salad topping or a filling for wraps, making this recipe not only delicious but also economical.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: For a gluten-free version, replace corn starch with an alternative like almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix to cater to dietary restrictions without compromising on the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal
