If you love dishes bursting with fresh, tangy, and savory flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe. Tender chicken strips are marinated in bright lemon juice and garlic, then coated in a crispy, cheesy Parmesan-panko crust that bakes up perfectly golden every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these chicken tenders deliver a crave-worthy combination of zest and crunch that’s downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is the secret to mastering this dish. Each one plays a crucial role — from tenderizing the chicken to creating that signature crust packed with flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for juicy, easy-to-cut tenders that cook evenly.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic adds fragrant pungency that blends beautifully with the lemon.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This brightens the dish with natural acidity and tenderizes the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty crust layer that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These light and airy crumbs create a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle helps the coating brown evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly cooked tenders.
Step 2: Cut Chicken Into Tenders
Take your chicken breasts and slice them into strips approximately one inch wide. Cutting them evenly ensures they all cook at the same rate, giving you tender, juicy bites.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture, coating them well. This quick marinade infuses zesty flavor and helps to tenderize the meat before baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
Grab another bowl and combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the minced garlic. This aromatic mixture will become the crispy crust that elevates these tenders to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each lemon-garlic-coated chicken strip into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to fully cover every side. This creates that irresistible golden crust that crunches with every bite.
Step 6: Arrange and Drizzle
Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help the crust crisp and brown beautifully as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating the first bite!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra splash of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving. A twist of lemon zest can also amplify the citrus brightness, making every bite sing with flavor and color.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try a vibrant quinoa salad or steamed asparagus tossed with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun approach, serve the chicken tenders with an array of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a tangy marinara. You can also skewer the tenders and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover tenders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply place the coated, uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the breading crisp and the chicken tender—microwaving, while quicker, can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though the cooking time might be slightly longer. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized strips to ensure even baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar crunchy texture without gluten.
Can I cook these chicken tenders on the stovetop instead of baking?
Definitely. You can pan-fry the coated tenders in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but watch closely to avoid burning the Parmesan coating.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The tenders are done when the coating is golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one to ensure the meat is white and juices run clear.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
For sure! Feel free to experiment by adding dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika for a different spin. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be mixed into the breadcrumb coating for extra aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is a surefire way to bring a little brightness and crunch to your weekly meals. It’s simple, fast, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Once you try it, these tenders might just become your new go-to comfort food, perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and savor every delightful bite!
Print
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Coated in a zesty lemon marinade and a crunchy mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and panko breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect weeknight meal or appetizer.
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
Finishing
- 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 allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide to create uniform chicken tenders for even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture to coat them thoroughly, infusing the chicken with bright, tangy flavor.
- Make Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. This mixture will provide a flavorful, crunchy exterior for the tenders.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated for a crispy crust once baked.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
