If you’re craving a dish that balances zesty brightness with rich, comforting flavors, this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is here to steal the show. Juicy chicken tenders get a golden, crispy coating packed with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then are kissed by a vibrant lemon and garlic drizzle that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a simple yet impressive meal you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in the most charming way, each one playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, these are the star protein of the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Provides that essential crunchy coating everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Used to infuse flavor and help crisp the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that complements the lemon and Parmesan perfectly.
- 2 lemons, juiced: Brings a lively citrus tang that brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Introduces a subtle herbaceous note and lovely flecks of green.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and unify all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your chicken tenders won’t stick and helps clean-up to be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create that irresistible crispy crust that makes this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each piece of chicken tender into the Parmesan mixture, making sure every side is generously coated. Place them carefully on your prepared baking sheet to set the stage for an even, golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Garlic Lemon Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. This flavorful mixture will be drizzled over the chicken to infuse those bright, aromatic flavors as it bakes.
Step 5: Drizzle and Bake
Pour the garlic lemon mixture evenly over the coated chicken tenders. Pop the sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns crispy, golden, and absolutely mouth-watering.
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This step keeps them tender and juicy, ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan right before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and an extra touch of flavor to your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken tenders with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes to round out the meal and soak up every last drop of that zesty lemon garlic goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tenders on skewers with lemon wedges on the side, or alongside a homemade garlic aioli dip to elevate this dish into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for a great next-day lunch or quick dinner when time is tight.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep all the flavor without gluten concerns.
Can I prepare the coating mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasoning up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container for convenience.
What’s a good alternative to fresh lemons if I don’t have any?
Lemon juice from a bottle can work in a pinch, but fresh lemons always provide a brighter, fresher flavor that really lifts this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
They’re cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. The chicken should be juicy and white inside, with no pink remaining.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how simple and satisfying the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is, I hope you’ll give it a go soon. It’s the kind of dish that feels both special and approachable, bursting with flavors that make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of your all-time favorite meals to make and share.
Print
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic olive oil blend, they bake to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Garlic Drizzle
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated on all sides. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Lemon Garlic Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture will soak into the coating while baking, adding moisture and bright flavor.
- Drizzle and Bake: Evenly drizzle the lemon garlic olive oil mixture over the coated chicken tenders. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns crispy and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and acidity.
- Substitute dried parsley with fresh parsley if available, using about 1 tablespoon chopped.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
