Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they combine bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory Parmesan for a flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Drizzle lemon juice over the seasoned chicken strips and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Place coated chicken strips on the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Drizzle with additional lemon juice before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken strips with nonstick cooking spray before baking.
• You can substitute fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to help maintain crispiness, or warm in the microwave if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular panko to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a zesty mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a delicious and easy weeknight dinner or appetizer.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)

Coating Mix

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and season them generously with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
3. Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a savory, crunchy coating.
4. Coat Chicken: Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the seasoned chicken strips, then thoroughly coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture to cover all sides.
5. Bake: Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Remove from oven and optionally drizzle additional lemon juice over the chicken tenders before serving for extra zest.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Ensure chicken strips are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
• You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, but fresh yields better flavor.
• Leftover tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, parmesan chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, chicken parmesan breadcrumbs