Irresistible 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
Scale
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
