Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken. They’re coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture with a hint of lemon and garlic, then baked to perfection in the oven. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful crust that’s perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

I love making these chicken tenders for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They’re always a hit with my family, and they’re so versatile. You can serve them with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Flavorful and Crispy: These chicken tenders are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of lemon, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can serve these chicken tenders with a variety of sides, making them a versatile option for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are a guaranteed hit with kids. They’re fun to eat and packed with flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: I use chicken tenders for this recipe, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light and crispy crust.
• Regular Breadcrumbs: I like to use seasoned breadcrumbs, like garlic, herb, or Italian seasoned, for extra flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Add a savory depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the crust.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
• Herby Twist: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Honey Mustard: Serve the chicken tenders with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
• Parmesan Ranch: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into your favorite ranch dressing for a delicious dipping sauce.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture and let them sit for 5 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

In another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil spray. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through. For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken tenders are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This will ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve

These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are delicious with:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• Side Dishes: They’re also great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken tenders in the egg mixture for up to 24 hours in advance.
• Storing: Store leftover chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.

Can I make these chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. I hope you enjoy it!

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