Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish? These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a perfect choice! With tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust and tossed in a tangy, garlicky lemon Parmesan sauce, this dish is both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a meal prep option, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. The balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan creates a burst of flavor that elevates this simple dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan gives these chicken tenders a tangy, savory punch that’s irresistible. The garlic butter sauce is the perfect finishing touch, adding richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Crispy and Tender: The chicken tenders are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture that gives them the perfect crunch while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.
Versatile: Serve these tenders as a main dish with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also work great as an appetizer or party snack.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of garlic, lemon, or Parmesan to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breading.

Ingredients

Chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Eggs (for dredging)
Flour (for dredging)
Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Fresh lemon (zest and juice)
Garlic (minced)
Butter
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by prepping the chicken tenders. If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 inch wide. Season the chicken tenders with a little salt and pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the panko Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Let it cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet. Toss the tenders in the lemon garlic sauce, ensuring they are well coated. You can cook them in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to soak into the chicken.
Serve:
- Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Version: If you like some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breading or the sauce for an extra kick.
Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer to bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with olive oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, serve these chicken tenders alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: You can add more Parmesan to the garlic butter sauce for an even cheesier flavor, or you can add a splash of heavy cream to create a richer, creamier sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat, but they may not stay as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips about 1-inch wide to mimic the size of chicken tenders.

2. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, spray them lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

3. Can I make the breading gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the breading gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular panko breadcrumbs. Be sure to also use a gluten-free flour for dredging.

4. How can I make these tenders spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or mix cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken once it’s cooked.

5. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese if that’s what you have on hand.

6. Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. For best results, cook them just before serving.

7. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, be sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking. Follow the same steps for breading and frying, adjusting the cooking time based on the size of the tenders.

8. What can I serve with these chicken tenders?

These tenders go wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even fries. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.

9. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

10. How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy?

To keep the tenders crispy, make sure to drain any excess oil on a paper towel after frying. You can also bake them on a rack instead of directly on a baking sheet to allow air circulation, helping maintain the crispiness.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The savory Parmesan and garlic, balanced with the bright, zesty lemon, make these tenders truly irresistible. Whether served as a main dish or as an appetizer, they are sure to impress. Plus, they’re quick, easy, and versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Give them a try and enjoy this deliciously simple, yet bold dish!

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