If you’re craving a crispy treat that packs a flavor punch, you’re in the right place! My Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are easy to make and oh-so-delicious. With a golden coat of panko, garlic, and Parmesan, these tenders promise to impress anyone at your table. Get ready to enjoy a crispy delight that’s perfect for dinner or a tasty snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
– 1 large lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– Olive oil spray
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: About 320 calories
– Macronutrient breakdown:
– Protein: 30g
– Carbs: 25g
– Fat: 15g
– Health benefits of key ingredients:
– Chicken provides lean protein for muscle growth.
– Garlic supports heart health and boosts immunity.
– Lemon adds vitamin C for better skin and immunity.
– Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Using these fresh and wholesome ingredients, you create a dish that not only tastes great but also supports your health. This recipe truly shines with its blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is key. It helps the coating stick better during cooking. Next, season both sides of the tenders. Use salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning makes a big difference in flavor.
Setting Up the Dredging Station
You need three shallow bowls for dredging. First, fill one bowl with all-purpose flour. This will help the egg stick. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and mix in a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The eggs add moisture and flavor. The last bowl should hold panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. This mix gives the tenders a tasty crunch. Keep your bowls close together for easy access.
Dredging the Chicken Tenders
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Take a tender and dip it into the flour first. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture. Let any excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently so the coating sticks well. Repeat this for all the chicken tenders.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you coat the chicken. This step is important for even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once coated, place the chicken tenders on the sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This will help them turn golden and crispy. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures both sides get crisp.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Coating
To get the best coating, avoid sogginess. Make sure your chicken is dry before you coat it. Patting the chicken tenders with paper towels helps. When you season, use salt and pepper well. This adds flavor right from the start.
For a crunchy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. They give the tenders a nice, crispy bite. When you coat the chicken, press gently. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Spray the tops with olive oil before baking. This little step makes a big difference in crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these flavorful chicken tenders with tasty sauces. Garlic aioli or honey mustard works well. If you want a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo. For a lighter option, a yogurt dip is refreshing.
As for sides, consider a fresh salad or roasted veggies. A side of lemony rice also complements the dish. For fun, serve them with homemade fries. They all make great choices to enjoy with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
Adjusting Flavor
You can easily adjust the flavor to suit your taste. Adding spices can change the whole dish. Try chili powder or cayenne for heat. If you prefer a milder taste, paprika works great.
Experimenting with herbs can also enhance the dish. Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Dill or basil can bring a fresh note too. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find what you love. For the full recipe, check out the link provided.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
For gluten-free diets, you can make simple swaps. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for that crunch. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to be safe. These changes let everyone enjoy the chicken tenders without worry.
Flavor Variations
You can add more flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding Italian seasoning, cayenne, or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well too. For marinades, mix lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds a zesty depth to your chicken tenders.
Cooking Method Variations
You can cook these tenders in different ways. An air fryer is a great choice for a quick, crispy result. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. If you prefer pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice golden crust.
Explore the [Full Recipe] for more details on making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, let them cool first. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness.
Reheating Instructions
To bring back the crispiness, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps them crunchy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Freezing
You can freeze Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for later. Allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. After that, transfer them to freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. They last up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long to bake Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Bake these chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. This time will give you juicy meat and a nice crunch. Keep an eye on them. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Your internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You want that golden brown color on the outside.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, the texture will change. Chicken tenders are thinner and cook faster. If you choose breasts, cut them into strips. They may need a little more time to bake. The flavor will still shine, thanks to the garlic and lemon.
What dipping sauces go well with this recipe?
Many sauces pair well with these chicken tenders. Here are a few popular choices:
– Garlic aioli
– Honey mustard
– Ranch dressing
– Spicy buffalo sauce
These sauces add extra flavor and make each bite exciting.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These chicken tenders are great for meal prep. You can cook them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container. They stay good for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for crunch or the microwave for speed.
You now have a complete guide for making delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We discussed the ingredients, prep steps, and cooking methods. Remember to follow the tips for crunchiness and flavor. You can easily adjust the recipe for dietary needs, too.
With these ideas, you can create a tasty meal that fits into any plan. Enjoy your cooking, and get ready for compliments at the table!
![- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 large lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - Olive oil spray - Calories per serving: About 320 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 30g - Carbs: 25g - Fat: 15g - Health benefits of key ingredients: - Chicken provides lean protein for muscle growth. - Garlic supports heart health and boosts immunity. - Lemon adds vitamin C for better skin and immunity. - Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Using these fresh and wholesome ingredients, you create a dish that not only tastes great but also supports your health. This recipe truly shines with its blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is key. It helps the coating stick better during cooking. Next, season both sides of the tenders. Use salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning makes a big difference in flavor. You need three shallow bowls for dredging. First, fill one bowl with all-purpose flour. This will help the egg stick. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and mix in a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The eggs add moisture and flavor. The last bowl should hold panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. This mix gives the tenders a tasty crunch. Keep your bowls close together for easy access. Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Take a tender and dip it into the flour first. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture. Let any excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently so the coating sticks well. Repeat this for all the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you coat the chicken. This step is important for even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once coated, place the chicken tenders on the sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This will help them turn golden and crispy. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures both sides get crisp. To get the best coating, avoid sogginess. Make sure your chicken is dry before you coat it. Patting the chicken tenders with paper towels helps. When you season, use salt and pepper well. This adds flavor right from the start. For a crunchy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. They give the tenders a nice, crispy bite. When you coat the chicken, press gently. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Spray the tops with olive oil before baking. This little step makes a big difference in crispiness. Pair these flavorful chicken tenders with tasty sauces. Garlic aioli or honey mustard works well. If you want a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo. For a lighter option, a yogurt dip is refreshing. As for sides, consider a fresh salad or roasted veggies. A side of lemony rice also complements the dish. For fun, serve them with homemade fries. They all make great choices to enjoy with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. You can easily adjust the flavor to suit your taste. Adding spices can change the whole dish. Try chili powder or cayenne for heat. If you prefer a milder taste, paprika works great. Experimenting with herbs can also enhance the dish. Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Dill or basil can bring a fresh note too. Don't be afraid to get creative and find what you love. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_4}} For gluten-free diets, you can make simple swaps. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for that crunch. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to be safe. These changes let everyone enjoy the chicken tenders without worry. You can add more flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding Italian seasoning, cayenne, or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well too. For marinades, mix lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds a zesty depth to your chicken tenders. You can cook these tenders in different ways. An air fryer is a great choice for a quick, crispy result. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. If you prefer pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice golden crust. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more details on making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! After making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, let them cool first. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. To bring back the crispiness, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps them crunchy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for later. Allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. After that, transfer them to freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. They last up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake these chicken tenders for 15 to 20 minutes. This time will give you juicy meat and a nice crunch. Keep an eye on them. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Your internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You want that golden brown color on the outside. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, the texture will change. Chicken tenders are thinner and cook faster. If you choose breasts, cut them into strips. They may need a little more time to bake. The flavor will still shine, thanks to the garlic and lemon. Many sauces pair well with these chicken tenders. Here are a few popular choices: - Garlic aioli - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - Spicy buffalo sauce These sauces add extra flavor and make each bite exciting. Absolutely! These chicken tenders are great for meal prep. You can cook them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container. They stay good for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for crunch or the microwave for speed. You now have a complete guide for making delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We discussed the ingredients, prep steps, and cooking methods. Remember to follow the tips for crunchiness and flavor. You can easily adjust the recipe for dietary needs, too. With these ideas, you can create a tasty meal that fits into any plan. Enjoy your cooking, and get ready for compliments at the table!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5a35e0d9-2ffb-461d-97d6-b83b457edbbd-250x250.webp)