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)

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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