These delicious Giada De Laurentiis Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders also known as chicken fingers are super easy to make and bake in your oven using buttermilk, chicken tenders, extra-virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs.

To make Giada’s Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake at 500°F for 12 minutes until golden brown.

These chicken tenders are so tasty you’ll want to make them every week! Give them a try and comment below on how yours turned out. Trust me, your family will love them!

Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders (about 18 pieces)
• 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/4 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup of Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs

How To Make Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F. This high temperature ensures the chicken tenders get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each of two heavy, large, lined baking sheets. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the chicken tenders and stir to coat. Let stand for at least 15 minutes, and up to 30 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and juicy.
4. Make Garlic Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, mash the minced garlic with the salt. Whisk in the balsamic vinegar and then the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Transfer this vinaigrette to a small serving bowl for dipping later.
5. Prepare Coating: In a pie dish, stir together the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken.
6. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk. Dredge them in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere the coating completely. This ensures a good crust on the tenders.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the chicken tenders to help them brown and get extra crispy.
8. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden brown, about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
9. Serve: Transfer the chicken tenders to a platter. Serve the garlic vinaigrette alongside for dipping. Enjoy your crunchy Parmesan chicken tenders while they’re hot and fresh!

Can I Cook Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook Giada’s Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in an air fryer for a quicker and equally delicious result. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the tenders for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Recipe Tips

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy coating, try using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This makes the tenders even crunchier and gives them a fantastic texture that everyone will love.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: If you want an extra thick and crispy crust, double-coat the chicken tenders. First, dip them in the breadcrumb mixture, then dip them back in the buttermilk, and coat again with breadcrumbs.
• Add Spices: To give the chicken tenders a little kick, add some spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or even some cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Oil Drizzle: Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle on top of the chicken tenders before baking. It helps them to brown evenly and adds a rich flavor. Plus, it makes the tenders look shiny and delicious.

Recipe Variations

• Herb-Crusted Tenders: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme into the breadcrumb mixture. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and makes the chicken tenders taste even more amazing.
• Cheese Mix-Up: Instead of just Parmesan, use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even some grated pecorino. This gives the chicken tenders a richer, cheesier flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy the same deliciously crunchy chicken tenders without worrying about gluten, and they taste just as good.

What To Serve With Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Serve your Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders with a colorful couscous salad, roasted butternut squash, or zesty grilled asparagus.

For a creative touch, try a tangy pineapple salsa, or a creamy avocado and lime dip. You can also pair with garlic mashed cauliflower, or a vibrant beet and orange salad.

How To Store Leftover Parmesan Chicken Tenders

In The Fridge:

Place the leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Store the container in the refrigerator to keep them safe to eat for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken tenders are completely cooled before sealing them in the container.

In The Freezer:

To freeze, place the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them for up to 2 months. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

How To Reheat Leftover Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Reheat your leftover Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are evenly heated.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
• Giada De Laurentiis Baked Lemon Ziti
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Vesuvio