Description
Juicy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders bring together the perfect combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory Parmesan in a crispy breadcrumb coating. They’re baked for a healthier twist without sacrificing crunch, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, party platters, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1/2 a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Chicken:
- 28 ounces chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika (mild, smoky, or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken
- Dip the chicken tenders into the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 5 minutes. For maximum flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour if time permits.
- Make the Breadcrumb Coating
- In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange on the Baking Tray
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking tray.
- Lightly spray them with cooking oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake the tenders for 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the tenders for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara, and pair with sides such as roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or fries.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances juiciness and flavor.
- Customize the Coating: Add crushed nuts, seeds, or cayenne pepper for added texture and spice.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American