Description
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe offers crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with a zesty twist of lemon and a rich Parmesan crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for dinner or meal prep, these tenders deliver a delicious combination of garlic, lemon, and Italian herbs baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Garlic Mixture
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Garnish and Optional Sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Optional dipping sauce: ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small garlic clove (minced), pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Make the lemon garlic mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Prepare coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the lemon garlic mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Then transfer it to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish: Remove the tenders from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- The optional dipping sauce combines mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pairs perfectly with the tenders.
- An air fryer alternative cooks the tenders at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Ensure chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
