Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Cooking Method: Stovetop and Oven
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders - 1½ pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sautéed Spinach - 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Optional Creamy Finish - 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, coating both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Tenders
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown.
The chicken will finish cooking in a later step, so avoid overcooking it at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Stir gently for 30–60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken to coat each tender with flavor.
If using the optional creamy finish, add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for 1–2 minutes to create a light, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thoroughly
Continue cooking the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on a food thermometer.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate temporarily if you need space to cook the spinach. Keep the garlic butter and pan juices in the skillet.
Step 5: Sauté the Spinach
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the baby spinach in handfuls, stirring as it wilts. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is tender but still bright green.
Season with salt and black pepper. Add the optional lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a fresh, slightly zesty finish.
If the pan contains a lot of liquid, let it evaporate briefly so the finished dish is not watery.
Step 6: Arrange the Chicken over the Spinach
Spread the sautéed spinach evenly across the bottom of the skillet or transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish.
Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top of the spinach. Spoon the garlic butter and pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Step 7: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken tenders, followed by the grated Parmesan.
Preheat the broiler to high. Place the oven-safe skillet or baking dish under the broiler for approximately 2–4 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly and the Parmesan is lightly golden.
Watch carefully because cheese can brown quickly.
Safety tip: Use an oven-safe skillet and oven mitts. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the food to an oven-safe baking dish before broiling.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, a little extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Serve warm with the cheesy chicken resting on a bed of garlicky spinach.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Use evenly sized tenders: This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Avoid burning the garlic: Add it after searing the chicken and reduce the heat before stirring it into the butter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It generally melts and tastes better than shelf-stable grated cheese.
- Drain excess spinach liquid: This prevents the cheese topping from becoming watery.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest.
- Prefer a crispy topping? Mix a tablespoon of breadcrumbs with the Parmesan before broiling. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup chicken broth to the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Make the recipe as written and skip the optional breadcrumbs. Serve with extra spinach or roasted broccoli.
Mushroom Spinach Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the spinach.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
Chicken Breast Version: Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips if chicken tenders are unavailable. Adjust the cooking time for thickness.
Nut Information and Allergen Guide
Ingredient Allergen information
Chicken tenders Generally free of major allergens when unseasoned
Mozzarella cheese Contains milk
Parmesan cheese Contains milk
Butter Contains milk
Heavy cream, if used Contains milk
Chicken broth Check labels for possible wheat, soy, or other allergens
Breadcrumbs, if used Usually contain wheat and gluten unless labeled gluten-free
Spinach, garlic, herbs, olive oil Generally free of major allergens
Peanut and tree nut information: This recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts as written. Check packaged ingredients for allergen warnings and possible cross-contact.
Gluten-free option: The basic recipe can be gluten-free if the broth and seasonings are gluten-free. Omit regular breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative.
Dairy-free option: Replace butter, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional cream with suitable dairy-free alternatives. The taste and melting texture may differ.
Important: Always read ingredient labels and prevent cross-contact if preparing this meal for someone with a food allergy.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving, assuming 4 servings and excluding optional cream and broth:
- Calories: 400–500
- Protein: 42–52 g
- Carbohydrates: 5–9 g
- Fat: 22–30 g
- Fiber: 2–4 g
- Sugar: 1–3 g
- Sodium: 500–850 mg
Nutrition is estimated and varies with chicken size, cheese quantity, and ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for more even results. Pat them dry before seasoning.
Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before sautéing. Frozen spinach contains more released moisture, so draining it well is important.
Q3: How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of a tender. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prepare the spinach in advance. For the best texture, cook the chicken and melt the cheese shortly before serving.
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.
Q6: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, but the spinach and cheese may change texture after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) until hot throughout, or microwave in short intervals. Add a small splash of broth if the chicken seems dry. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Q8: Can I make this without an oven?
Yes. After adding the mozzarella and Parmesan, cover the skillet over low heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Watch the bottom carefully to avoid scorching.
Q9: What can I serve with garlic Parmesan chicken?
Roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, rice, or a fresh garden salad all pair well with this dish.
Q10: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mozzarella-Provolone blend can work. Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor, so keep it if possible.
Q11: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It is relatively low in carbohydrates as written, but the exact amount depends on the ingredients and optional additions. Check the nutrition information for your specific products if following a strict ketogenic diet.
Q12: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are delicious additions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb dinner.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
- Add a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- Finish with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders over Sautéed Spinach are juicy, flavorful, and topped with irresistible melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The garlicky butter, tender greens, and cheesy finish make this a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize for your family.