If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that the whole family will love, this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken tenders are marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture, coated in Parmesan breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or even a casual gathering with friends. The best part? These tenders are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
From the first bite, you’ll fall in love with the crisp, cheesy crust and the juicy, flavorful chicken inside. The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and Parmesan creates a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re making a snack, a main course, or finger food for a party, these tenders are guaranteed to please.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy and flavorful chicken tenders:
For the Egg Mixture
Ingredient | Amount |
Large egg | 1 |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 2 tbsp (or juice of ½ lemon) |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
Garlic (minced) | 2 tsp |
Salt | ¾ tsp |
Cracked black pepper | ¼ tsp |
For the Breadcrumb Mixture
Ingredient | Amount |
Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Regular breadcrumbs (seasoned) | ½ cup |
Mild paprika | 1 tsp |
Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
Onion powder | ½ tsp |
Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¼ cup |
Main Ingredient
Ingredient | Amount |
Chicken tenders (raw) | 28 oz (about 1.75 lbs) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking tray or sheet with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Set it aside.
2. Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- The lemon juice adds a zesty tang, while the garlic and parsley enhance the overall flavor.
3. Marinate the Chicken
- Dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re short on time, 5 minutes will still give great results.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
- In another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This breadcrumb mixture is what gives the tenders their irresistible crispy coating.
5. Coat the Chicken
- Remove each chicken tender from the egg mixture and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly to all sides of the chicken.
6. Arrange and Bake
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a big difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic for the best results.
2. Don’t Skip the Panko
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. The combination of both creates the perfect coating.
3. Broil for Extra Crunch
Broiling the tenders for the last few minutes ensures a golden, crispy finish without overcooking the chicken.
4. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to an hour to let the flavors fully develop.
5. Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 4):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 32g |
Fat | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 680mg |
Creative Variations
1. Spicy Lemon Chicken Tenders
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for regular and Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Cheesy Upgrade
Increase the Parmesan to ½ cup and mix in shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy coating.
4. Air Fryer Method
Cook the tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier, crispy result.
5. Kid-Friendly
Skip the paprika and add a touch of honey to the egg mixture for a slightly sweeter flavor that kids will love.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with these sides for a complete meal:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad.
- Carbs: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or quinoa.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli complement the tenders perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
1. Refrigeration
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing
Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. For frozen tenders, bake directly from frozen for 15–20 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips for a similar result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I fry these chicken tenders?
Absolutely. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3. What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Adding crushed cornflakes can mimic the crispiness of Panko.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The tenders will still be flavorful without it.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?
Place the tenders in a zip-top bag with the egg mixture and refrigerate. This method ensures even marination.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is the perfect blend of tangy, cheesy, and crispy flavors. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack for yourself, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
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Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a simple, flavorful dish that the whole family will love? These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the answer! Marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture, coated in Parmesan breadcrumbs, and baked to crispy perfection, they’re a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders without sacrificing any flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these tenders are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or juice of ½ lemon)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
For the Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (seasoned)
- 1 tsp mild paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Main Ingredient:
- 28 oz chicken tenders (about 1.75 lbs)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking tray with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
- Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken
- Dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. If pressed for time, marinating for just 5 minutes will still yield great results.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
- In another bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken
- Remove each chicken tender from the egg mixture and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly.
- Arrange and Bake
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs are key for achieving that crispy, light texture.
- Broil for Extra Crunch: Broiling the tenders for the last few minutes ensures a golden, crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American