Description
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe delivers crispy, golden-baked chicken strips bursting with bright lemon zest, savory garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these tenders are easy to prepare and bake, making them a delicious crowd-pleaser with a crunchy coating and tender, juicy interior. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Place the flour in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another shallow dish. In a third dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well to the tenders.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tenders or use a cooking spray to lightly coat.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus burst. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- These chicken tenders also cook well in an air fryer: bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve with ranch, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli for delicious dipping options.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon zest or garlic powder if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
