Introduction

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they combine zesty lemon, sharp Parmesan, and savory garlic for a satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.

A white plate filled with several pieces of golden brown fried chicken tenders, each coated with a glossy, creamy light yellow sauce drizzled over the top. The tenders have a crunchy texture visible beneath the sauce and are sprinkled with small bright green herb pieces, adding a fresh touch. In the background, slightly out of focus, there is a small white bowl containing more of the creamy yellow sauce with some green herb bits on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
Add chopped fresh parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh herbal note.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden brown fried pierogies that have a crispy, slightly charred outer layer. Each pierogi is topped with a creamy, light yellow sauce and sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with more creamy sauce, garnished with green herbs. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful result, though cooking time may slightly increase.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best texture.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection, featuring a zesty lemon juice drizzle and a savory Parmesan breadcrumb coating. A simple, healthy dinner option packed with vibrant garlic and citrus notes.

Author: Ruby
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

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Breading

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Pinch of salt

Other

Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by coating it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Chicken: Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
Coat Chicken: Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the seasoned chicken strips, then thoroughly coat each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and drizzle with additional lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure the chicken strips are evenly coated to ensure consistent browning and flavor.
Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, baked chicken tenders, crispy chicken strips, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, lemon chicken