Skip the drive-through and make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips at home. Tender chicken strips are coated in a light cornstarch (or arrowroot) batter seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper, then finished with a generous amount of grated Parmesan for a golden, flavorful crust. They crisp up nicely whether you bake them on a wire rack in the oven or cook them in an air fryer, and they deliver garlicky, cheesy flavor without a heavy sauce—perfect on their own or with your favorite dip.
These are a family favorite and one of our go-to chicken tender recipes. The coating is intentionally light so the texture stays crisp without being greasy. You can use pre-cut tenders or slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips for even cooking.
Ingredient Notes
Below are a few notes about the ingredients that make the biggest difference. The full list of ingredients and measurements appears in the recipe card further down.
- Chicken strips. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips if you don’t have pre-cut tenders. Aim for uniform thickness so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot. This forms a very light batter that crisps beautifully without needing heavy breading.
- Seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper are all you need for a savory base.
- Fresh or frozen garlic. Minced fresh garlic or thawed frozen garlic both work and add a bright garlic punch when sprinkled on top mid-cook.
- Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor; Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
Simple Steps To Make This Recipe
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips. Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
1. Preheat. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. For the crispiest results, set a wire rack over the baking sheet and place the strips on the rack.
2. Make the coating. In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch (or arrowroot), the dry seasonings, most of the grated Parmesan and most of the minced garlic. Reserve a few tablespoons of cheese and a small amount of garlic to add later so the topping stays fresh and avoids burning.
3. Coat the chicken. Dredge each strip through the coating mixture, turning to cover all sides. Arrange the coated strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or rack.
4. Begin cooking. Lightly spritz the tops of the strips with cooking spray to encourage browning. Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes.
5. Finish with cheese and garlic. Remove the strips briefly, sprinkle the reserved Parmesan and minced garlic evenly over the tops, then return to the oven for an additional 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC). For the air fryer: cook for 8–10 minutes, then add the remaining cheese and garlic and cook another 4–6 minutes.
6. Rest and serve. Let the strips rest for a minute or two before serving. They are excellent on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
What To Serve With These Chicken Strips
These garlic Parmesan strips pair well with classic sides like fries, potato chips or coleslaw, and also with lighter options such as a green salad, grilled vegetables or a white bean salad for a heartier plate. Choose a dipping sauce you love—ranch, honey mustard, or a garlic aioli complement the flavors nicely.
Make The Best Chicken Strips
- Cut strips to uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Adding reserved Parmesan and garlic partway through prevents the topping from burning and boosts fresh flavor.
- Try different dipping sauces and side dishes to keep this recipe interesting.
Other Chicken Recipes To Love
Dinner
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
Salads
Black Bean and Rice Salad
Dinner
Easy Mediterranean Bowl With Chicken
Dinner
White Bean Chili With Chicken
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips
Equipment
- Oven or air fryer
- Large shallow bowl
- Parchment paper and baking sheet (optional wire rack)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken strips or chicken breasts sliced
- 4 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divide between coating and topping)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan (reserve a few tablespoons to add midway)
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. For extra crispiness, use a wire rack over the sheet.
- In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch (or arrowroot), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, most of the Parmesan and most of the minced garlic. Whisk to blend.
- Dredge chicken strips through the coating, ensuring even coverage. Arrange strips in a single layer on the prepared sheet or rack.
- Lightly spritz the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Remove briefly, sprinkle the reserved Parmesan and minced garlic over the strips, and return to the oven for 4–6 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. For air fryer: cook 8–10 minutes, add cheese and garlic, then cook 4–6 more minutes.
- Let rest a minute, then serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Keep strips similar in size for even cooking.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Parmesan and pecorino are both good options.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 4 chicken strips | Calories: 327 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 45 g | Fat: 11 g. Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
Author: Bailey Rhatigan
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken strips, garlic parmesan chicken strips