Are you on the hunt for the perfect family-friendly dinner or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips! Tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, seasoned with garlic butter, and smothered in Parmesan cheese – it doesn’t get better than this! Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, these chicken strips are sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a short prep time and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Ready to elevate your chicken game? Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips
To make this incredible dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients to bring it all together:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders – These tender pieces of chicken are easy to work with, cook quickly, and make the perfect base for this crispy recipe.
For the Breaded Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are the secret to achieving that crispy, golden texture. They add a light crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The Parmesan gives the chicken strips a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds an extra layer of savory garlic flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with a delicious garlic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Paprika adds a hint of smokiness and enhances the color of the crispy coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – For seasoning and to bring out the full flavors of the chicken and breadcrumb coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper provides a slight kick of heat, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.
For the Garlic Butter Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Unsalted butter ensures we have control over the salt levels while providing a rich, buttery coating that makes these chicken strips extra indulgent.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key to delivering a fragrant, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to finish off your dish.
Directions to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s break down the steps to create these crispy, cheesy chicken strips. From preparing the breading to baking them to crispy perfection, these instructions will guide you through each step!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, it’s important to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken strips cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine the following ingredients:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix them together until they’re well combined. This flavorful breadcrumb mixture is what gives the chicken strips their crunchy exterior. The Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the crispy, cheesy coating that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. The butter provides a rich, smooth coating for the chicken, while the garlic adds a savory depth of flavor. Dip each chicken strip into the garlic butter mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated in that delicious buttery goodness.
After dipping the chicken in the garlic butter, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the chicken thoroughly, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. The more breadcrumbs you can pack on, the crispier the final product will be. Be sure to coat all sides for a uniform, crunchy texture.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken strips on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly apart to allow air to circulate and help them cook evenly. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute inside the chicken, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle the chicken strips with chopped fresh parsley. This optional garnish adds a beautiful touch and a burst of herbaceous flavor. Serve these crispy, cheesy chicken strips hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a zesty buffalo sauce are excellent choices to complement the rich flavors.
Nutritional Information
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips are a satisfying and flavorful option for a quick meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 4 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
These chicken strips provide a good amount of protein, making them a filling meal that’s perfect for growing kids or adults looking to fuel up after a busy day. The crispy breadcrumb coating offers a nice balance of fat and carbs, while the Parmesan adds that rich, savory kick that’s hard to resist.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few expert tips to help you make these chicken strips even better!
How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken Strips
If you’re aiming for the crispiest chicken strips possible, here are a few tips to ensure the perfect texture:
- Use Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs, which is why they create that perfect crisp.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly – After dipping the chicken in the garlic butter, make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly so that they stick to the chicken.
- Broil at the end – If you want an even crispier finish, broil the chicken strips for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give the breadcrumbs a final, golden-brown crisp.
Can I Make These Chicken Strips Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these chicken strips ahead of time! Simply bake the chicken and store the prepared strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven and bake as instructed.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken breasts for chicken tenders. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to tenders, and follow the same breading and baking instructions. Keep in mind that chicken breasts might require a slightly longer cooking time, so make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Use olive oil instead of butter – Olive oil still provides a rich, flavorful coating but with less saturated fat.
- Try air frying – Instead of baking the chicken, you can cook these strips in an air fryer for a healthier, lower-fat option. Just spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray and cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy. Whether you’re serving them as a dinner, a game day appetizer, or a tasty snack, they’re sure to impress. The crispy panko breadcrumb coating, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic butter make these chicken strips an absolute treat.
Ready to take your chicken game to the next level? Don’t forget to check out these other delicious recipes for more inspiration:
Give these Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips a try today, and experience the crispy, cheesy perfection that everyone will love! Whether you’re serving them with a side of veggies or enjoying them with a tasty dipping sauce, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips – Crispy & Cheesy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips are a mouthwatering combination of golden, cheesy, and savory goodness. Perfect for a quick dinner or snack, they’re coated in a flavorful garlic butter and Parmesan mixture, delivering irresistible crispy perfection in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Dip each chicken strip into the garlic butter mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
- Bake the strips: Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the strips are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you want extra crispy chicken strips, try broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- You can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- For an added kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4 strips)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips, Crispy Chicken Strips, Cheesy Chicken Strips, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Parmesan Chicken Bites, Easy Chicken Recipe, Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken