Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that checks every box—crispy, juicy, bright, and utterly addictive—these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, each piece sings with the zesty freshness of lemon, the savory depth of Parmesan, and a hit of garlicky goodness that turns a familiar favorite into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making a family dinner, prepping for a kid-friendly party, or just craving a seriously flavorful meal, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to deliver on taste and crunch every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders lies in the balance of a few straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that gorgeous golden crust, punchy flavor, and mouthwatering aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken tenders (1 1/2 pounds): The star protein — these cook up incredibly juicy while staying perfectly portioned for dipping and sharing.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives the chicken a light dusting for the coating to cling to, ensuring every bite is deliciously crispy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the natural flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick—don’t skip it!
- Eggs, beaten (2 large): Help the breading adhere and add moisture for a tender bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to an irresistibly crunchy crust that doesn’t turn soggy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into savory, nutty pockets within the breading for the ultimate umami hit.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor with a garlicky punch that infuses every layer.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Packs a fresh citrus zing that brightens the tenders and makes them pop.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): For a luscious, buttery drizzle on top once they’re cooked.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds just enough tang to balance the richness and keep things lively.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled at the end for herby, vibrant color and a fresh finish.
- Olive oil spray or oil for frying: A quick spritz ensures beautiful browning in the oven, or use oil in the skillet for crispier results.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare Your Setup
Start by getting everything ready—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup if baking. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood to pan-fry, heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Now, arrange three shallow dishes: the first for flour combined with salt and pepper, the second for your beaten eggs, and the third for your star breading mix (panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and lemon zest). Having your assembly line set up before you begin makes the whole process smooth and tidy.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Here’s where the transformation happens. Dip each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour—this not only dries the surface so the next coatings stick but also seasons the meat. Next, dunk the flour-coated tender in the egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it gently into the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure each piece gets a generous, even coat. Don’t be shy—use your hands to press the crumbs on, ensuring they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven or skillet.
Step 3: Bake or Pan-Fry to Perfection
Place your fully coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, lining them up with some space between so that every side crisps up. Give them a light mist with olive oil spray for that addictive crunch, then pop them in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If pan-frying, work in batches and cook each tender for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning until they’re a deep golden color and the interior is perfectly juicy. Either method gives you outstanding Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with that signature crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Final Touches
When your tenders are fresh from the oven or skillet, immediately drizzle them with the melted butter and a good squeeze of lemon juice. This finishing step boosts the richness and delivers a final hit of bright citrus. Shower with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and garden-fresh taste. Serve your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders warm—the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a scattering of chopped parsley can elevate your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders to show-stopping heights. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, which lets everyone amp up their own tangy kick just the way they like it.
Side Dishes
Pair your tenders with anything from classic French fries to a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes. These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders also shine next to a bowl of marinara, cool ranch, or garlicky aioli for dipping. Their bold flavor stands up to a variety of sides, making them ultra-versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, arrange the tenders atop a platter with lots of bright garnishes and dipping sauces for a fun, interactive meal. For a lunchbox or picnic, tuck them into wraps with fresh greens and a smear of creamy sauce. You can even slice leftover tenders over pasta or salads—Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders truly do it all!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and are easy to reheat for busy weeknights or tasty lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooled cooked tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just what you need. Frozen Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed within 2 months for optimum crispness.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat tenders in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The oven revives their golden crunch and ensures the insides stay moist. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide to mimic tenders. This works perfectly and lets you use what you have on hand.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
You can’t go wrong with classic choices like marinara, ranch, or a homemade garlic aioli. The bright flavors of these tenders also pair well with honey mustard or a cool yogurt-based dip.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the traditional versions. The Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders will still turn out golden, crunchy, and full of flavor.
Is it possible to prep them ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bread the chicken tenders and store them (uncooked) in the fridge up to a few hours ahead. Just bring them out when you’re ready to bake or fry. Wait to drizzle with butter and lemon until after cooking for best results.
What’s the secret to keeping them crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs is key, and don’t forget that light spray of oil before baking. If you want to take it one step further, toast the breadcrumbs in a pan before coating the chicken—this guarantees a crunch that rivals any restaurant version.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dish that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally packed with flavor, make these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders your next kitchen adventure. There’s just no beating their combination of zest, crunch, and juiciness—so treat yourself and your loved ones to a big platter soon!
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Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest, then baked or pan-fried to crispy perfection. Drizzled with a buttery lemon sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, these chicken tenders are sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- olive oil spray for baking or 1/4 cup oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Coat Chicken: In one dish, mix flour with salt and pepper. In a second dish, place beaten eggs. In a third dish, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake or Fry: Place coated chicken on prepared baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, or pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish: Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- These chicken tenders pair well with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- For extra crunch, toast panko in a skillet before breading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
