If you crave a tasty and easy meal, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is perfect for family dinners or quick snacks. Juicy chicken meets zesty lemon and rich Parmesan for a flavor explosion. Join me as I walk you through the simple steps to create these crispy, golden delights that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s time to elevate your chicken game!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
Flavor Enhancers
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon (zest and juice)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Gather these ingredients to create your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. The chicken tenders serve as the main star, bringing juicy texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. Breadcrumbs deliver a perfect crunch, especially if you use panko.
Garlic gives this dish a delightful aroma and taste. The zest and juice of lemon brighten the flavors and add a tangy twist. Dried oregano brings an earthy note, enhancing the overall taste.
For seasonings, salt and black pepper ensure each bite is well-balanced. Finally, olive oil adds moisture and helps the coating crisp up perfectly in the oven.
Check out the [Full Recipe] for exact measurements and cooking instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy.
Coating the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is even.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This adds flavor and helps the coating stick.
Baking and Serving
1. Dip each chicken tender into the lemon and olive oil mix. Make sure all sides are coated well.
2. Roll each tender in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
3. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spaced out evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and check that the chicken is cooked through.
5. Once done, take the tenders out and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To get a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a light crunch. Make sure to coat each tender well. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This time ensures the chicken cooks fully. Check for a golden brown color on the coating.
Serving Suggestions
For dipping sauces, ranch and garlic mayo work great. They add a nice creamy flavor. You can also try honey mustard for a sweet twist. As for side dishes, a fresh salad pairs well. Roasted veggies also complement the chicken tenders nicely. For a fun touch, serve with lemon wedges. They add zest and freshness to each bite. You can find the full recipe for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders [here](#).
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make these chicken tenders even better for you. Instead of frying, bake them. Baking keeps the flavor while cutting down on fat. Just follow the full recipe for the baking steps.
You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap makes the dish safe for those with gluten issues. Look for gluten-free panko for that extra crunch.
Flavor Variations
Want to change up the flavor? Try adding spices or herbs. A sprinkle of paprika gives a nice kick. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste.
If you’re a cheese lover, substitute different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella can work great here. Each cheese brings its unique flavor to the dish. Experiment and find your favorite mix!
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps retain flavor and moisture.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the coating crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. However, it might make them a bit soggy.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze chicken tenders, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. Remove all air before sealing. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat them, take the chicken tenders out of the freezer. Place them in the fridge to thaw overnight. For faster thawing, you can use a microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as directed above. Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders again! For the full recipe, check the previous section.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long to bake chicken tenders?
Bake chicken tenders for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check for a golden-brown color. The chicken should also be cooked through.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, not pink.
Additional Queries
What to serve with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with fries or rice. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders a few hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This helps the flavors blend.
How do I make them spicier?
To add heat, mix red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mix. You can also add hot sauce to the olive oil and lemon juice mix.
Nutritional Information
Caloric content per serving
Each serving has about 350 calories. This may vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Nutritional benefits of main ingredients
Chicken is a great source of protein. Parmesan cheese adds calcium. Garlic offers health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Lemon provides vitamin C, which is good for your skin.
This guide covered making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We explored the key ingredients like chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs. I detailed preparation steps, from coating to baking and serving. You learned tips for crispy texture and pairing ideas. I also shared storage info and common FAQs.
Try these easy tips and enjoy tasty meals. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!
![- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gather these ingredients to create your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. The chicken tenders serve as the main star, bringing juicy texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. Breadcrumbs deliver a perfect crunch, especially if you use panko. Garlic gives this dish a delightful aroma and taste. The zest and juice of lemon brighten the flavors and add a tangy twist. Dried oregano brings an earthy note, enhancing the overall taste. For seasonings, salt and black pepper ensure each bite is well-balanced. Finally, olive oil adds moisture and helps the coating crisp up perfectly in the oven. Check out the [Full Recipe] for exact measurements and cooking instructions! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 1. In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is even. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This adds flavor and helps the coating stick. 1. Dip each chicken tender into the lemon and olive oil mix. Make sure all sides are coated well. 2. Roll each tender in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. 3. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spaced out evenly. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and check that the chicken is cooked through. 5. Once done, take the tenders out and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. To get a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a light crunch. Make sure to coat each tender well. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This time ensures the chicken cooks fully. Check for a golden brown color on the coating. For dipping sauces, ranch and garlic mayo work great. They add a nice creamy flavor. You can also try honey mustard for a sweet twist. As for side dishes, a fresh salad pairs well. Roasted veggies also complement the chicken tenders nicely. For a fun touch, serve with lemon wedges. They add zest and freshness to each bite. You can find the full recipe for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders [here](#). {{image_2}} You can make these chicken tenders even better for you. Instead of frying, bake them. Baking keeps the flavor while cutting down on fat. Just follow the full recipe for the baking steps. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap makes the dish safe for those with gluten issues. Look for gluten-free panko for that extra crunch. Want to change up the flavor? Try adding spices or herbs. A sprinkle of paprika gives a nice kick. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste. If you’re a cheese lover, substitute different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella can work great here. Each cheese brings its unique flavor to the dish. Experiment and find your favorite mix! After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps retain flavor and moisture. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the coating crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. However, it might make them a bit soggy. To freeze chicken tenders, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. Remove all air before sealing. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, take the chicken tenders out of the freezer. Place them in the fridge to thaw overnight. For faster thawing, you can use a microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as directed above. Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders again! For the full recipe, check the previous section. How long to bake chicken tenders? Bake chicken tenders for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check for a golden-brown color. The chicken should also be cooked through. Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed. How do I know when the chicken is done? Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. What to serve with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders? These tenders pair well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with fries or rice. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch. Can I prepare them ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders a few hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This helps the flavors blend. How do I make them spicier? To add heat, mix red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mix. You can also add hot sauce to the olive oil and lemon juice mix. Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 350 calories. This may vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used. Nutritional benefits of main ingredients Chicken is a great source of protein. Parmesan cheese adds calcium. Garlic offers health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Lemon provides vitamin C, which is good for your skin. This guide covered making Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We explored the key ingredients like chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs. I detailed preparation steps, from coating to baking and serving. You learned tips for crispy texture and pairing ideas. I also shared storage info and common FAQs. Try these easy tips and enjoy tasty meals. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b78c3b7a-c344-44d8-aeed-fe3a02e65dc3-250x250.webp)