Irresistible Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and crispy dish perfect for any meal. The bright lemon and garlic blend beautifully with the Parmesan crust, creating an irresistible bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch recommended)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy tenders.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 3: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, coating each piece evenly. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to build flavor.
- Step 4: Set up the breading station with three shallow dishes: breadcrumbs in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and the third left empty.
- Step 5: Dip each marinated tender in the egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all tenders are breaded.
- Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer.
- Step 7: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tenders to promote crisping in the oven.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 9: Allow the tenders to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
- Serve with a side of garlic aioli or ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating to ensure even coating and proper cooking.
Can I bake these chicken tenders without breadcrumbs?
You can skip the breadcrumbs, but they add a crucial crispy texture and flavor. For a low-carb option, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.
PrintIrresistible Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Irresistible Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture and coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Finishing
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch recommended)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish for the chicken tenders.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs, and one empty for holding the breaded tenders.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Dip each marinated chicken tender first in the beaten eggs, then coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Repeat this for all tenders.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the breaded chicken tenders to promote a golden, crispy texture while baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and nicely golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the tenders to cool slightly before transferring them to a serving platter. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes, but avoid marinating too long to prevent the lemon juice from toughening the meat.
- Using Panko breadcrumbs results in a crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
- If you want a lower-fat option, you can spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray instead of drizzling olive oil.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for a complete meal.
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders, Parmesan Chicken, Baked Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe
