Name: Irresistible Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus extra for drizzling; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; Pinch of salt; Nonstick cooking spray

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Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a crispy, tangy chicken dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, these tenders are coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan, garlic, and lemon that the whole family will love.

The image shows a white pan filled with several cooked chicken tenders, each piece browned lightly and topped with small bits of minced garlic and chopped green herbs. There are six chicken tenders arranged in a loose circular pattern, sitting in a shallow layer of light golden buttery sauce. Between the chicken pieces, there are thin lemon wedges adding a touch of bright yellow color. The sauce has a glossy texture, pooling gently around the chicken, while small specks of black pepper and herbs are scattered on top. The overall look is warm, fresh, and inviting. 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. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the seasoned chicken strips, then coat each strip evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional lemon juice before serving for an extra burst of brightness.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking.
Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for a herby twist.
To make it spicy, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the Parmesan breadcrumb coating.
Serve with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Swap chicken tenders for thinly sliced turkey or fish fillets for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds six golden-brown grilled chicken tenders arranged in two overlapping rows. Each tender is brushed with melted butter, showing a slightly crispy, charred texture on parts of the surface. Bright green chopped parsley is sprinkled evenly over the tenders, adding fresh color. In the background, a small white bowl contains a creamy sauce with a light yellow tint and green herb pieces floating on top. The plate and bowl rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.