The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with a promise of zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and savory Parmesan. As you take that first bite, the tender chicken gives way to a crunch that echoes your culinary triumph. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they are a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, making dinner feel like a celebration.
Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night in your kitchen, and you’re channeling your inner chef while simultaneously attempting not to burn the house down. You remember how much your family loves those crispy chicken tenders from your favorite restaurant, but guess what? You can make them at home! This recipe is perfect for casual family dinners or even impressing friends during game nights. With every bite, you’ll be catapulted into flavor heaven and leave everyone wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of tangy lemon and rich Parmesan that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Their golden appearance makes them visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, they are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or paired with salads and sides for a complete meal!
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenders: About 1 pound of chicken tenders works best for this recipe; they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Fresh Garlic: Use 3-4 cloves of minced garlic for a punch of flavor; fresh garlic beats powder any day.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key here—bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it when it comes to flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan gives these tenders an irresistible, cheesy crust that browns beautifully in the oven.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an amazing crunch; they’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps everything stick together and ensures that golden color we all crave.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; don’t skimp—you want these tenders to pop!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; we want these bad boys to slide right off when they’re done.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take those lovely chicken tenders and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until it’s well mixed—think of it as creating a flavorful confetti party for your chicken!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dunk each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. Make sure every inch is coated so you get that crispy goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through—trust me; your kitchen will smell fantastic!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer your beautifully baked Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders onto plates. Drizzle with any remaining lemon juice or extra Parmesan if desired for that extra flair! For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
Enjoy these tasty morsels as an appetizer or alongside some roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!
You Must Know
- This amazing Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken tenders in lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan for at least 30 minutes. While they soak up the deliciousness, preheat your oven or skillet to get that perfect sear. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then finish in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the Parmesan for a different cheese like mozzarella or add some red pepper flakes for heat. For a fresh twist, toss in some herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop them back into a hot oven or skillet to maintain their crispy texture—no one likes soggy chicken!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pound the chicken tenders to an even thickness before marinating to ensure they cook evenly
- Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a punchier flavor
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps lock in moisture for juicier bites
I remember making these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for my family’s Sunday dinner last year. The smiles around the table were priceless as everyone raved about how tender and flavorful they were!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
To prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you will need boneless chicken tenders, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken. You can also add herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor further. Make sure to use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.
How do I cook Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Cooking Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders is simple. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl. Dip each chicken tender into this mixture and then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This method gives you tender meat with a crispy coating. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders ahead of time. To do this, bread the chicken tenders and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook them, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This makes it easy to serve a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. You could also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for added flavor. These sides complement the crispy texture and zesty flavor of the chicken tenders beautifully.
Conclusion for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders :
In summary, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. By combining fresh ingredients like lemon juice and garlic with crispy breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers fantastic taste every time. Preparing these tenders ahead of time allows for convenience without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a complete meal that is sure to impress family and friends!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of crispy texture and zesty flavor, perfect for any occasion. These tender chicken strips are coated in a flavorful mixture of fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, and rich Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these easy-to-make tenders will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined.
- Coat each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 chicken tenders (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
