If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, savory flavors and pleasing textures, the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is just what you need. This recipe combines tender chicken strips with a zesty lemon kick, rich garlic aroma, and the irresistible crunch of Parmesan-coated panko breadcrumbs. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and sure to become one of your go-to meals when you want something flavorful yet simple to whip up. Let me walk you through this delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its few but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tart freshness of lemon juice to the salty, nutty Parmesan that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender and juicy base for your tenders, perfect for absorbing the marinade and coating flavors.
- Fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: A bright, zesty element that lifts and balances the richness of the Parmesan and chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth, and crisps up perfectly when baked with the breadcrumbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, panko creates that coveted crunchy texture without being heavy or greasy.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzling this over the tenders before baking helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures a clean, non-stick surface so your chicken tenders bake evenly and are easy to remove once crisp and golden.
Step 2: Cut Chicken into Strips
Slice the chicken breasts into strips approximately one inch wide. Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and allows each tender to soak up just the right amount of seasoning and crumb coating.
Step 3: Marinate with Lemon and Seasoning
In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture, letting the citrus and seasoning mingle with the chicken. This step packs in flavor and tenderizes the meat for a juicy finish.
Step 4: Prepare Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture
Mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a separate bowl. This mixture will stick to the lemony chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful crust with every bite.
Step 5: Coat Chicken Strips
Dip each lemon-marinated chicken strip thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. The combination of Parmesan and garlic in the crust is what truly makes this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe stand out.
Step 6: Arrange and Drizzle with Olive Oil
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil, which helps them brown beautifully without frying.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Bake the tenders for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. The result is crispy, cheesy tenders with a fresh lemon-garlic flavor that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh twist by sprinkling chopped parsley or basil over the tenders for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A lemon wedge on the side invites extra zest if you love that citrus punch.
Side Dishes
These tenders go wonderfully with simple sides like steamed veggies, a crisp green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic roasted potatoes or a vibrant quinoa salad packed with fresh herbs and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chicken Tenders as finger foods at your next party with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. You can also layer them on top of a bed of pasta with a light lemon cream sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a larger batch, these chicken tenders freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep nicely for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful tender, just make sure to cut them into strips of similar size to cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can coat the chicken strips and keep them refrigerated for a couple of hours before baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent the coating from drying out.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. The lemon and garlic flavors give you plenty of flexibility to experiment.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
They’re done when the coating turns golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cutting into the thickest part should show meat that is no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity all wrapped up in one delicious bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to make a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you taste these crisp, zesty tenders, they’ll be a favorite you turn to again and again.
Print
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection, coated with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, infused with fresh lemon juice and garlic for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide to create uniform tenders for even cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture to coat them thoroughly, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Mix Coating: In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. This mixture will provide a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated, ensuring every piece is well covered for maximum crunch.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help with browning and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
Notes
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs if needed, though panko provides extra crispiness.
- For extra tang, add some lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Serve with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
