Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

$- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large lemon (zest and juice) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For this dish, I love using chicken tenders. They cook fast and stay juicy. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. Mixing them with Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy flavor. Garlic enhances the taste, while lemon gives it a fresh zing. Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness. - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste I use paprika for a little warmth and color. Salt and pepper are key to bring out all the flavors. Seasoning is vital for making each bite taste great. - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs Setting up a dredging station is fun and simple. I start with all-purpose flour for the first coat. The eggs add moisture and help the breadcrumbs stick. This three-step process ensures a great crust on each tender. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the main article. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls. - Fill one bowl with all-purpose flour. - In the second bowl, beat the eggs and add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. - In the last bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. - Coat each chicken tender in flour first, then dip in the egg mixture. - Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently. - Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. - Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. - Flip halfway through for even cooking. - Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. - Drizzle with extra lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley for flair. For the complete cooking journey, check out the Full Recipe. To make your chicken tenders extra crunchy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is light and airy. It makes a big difference in texture. Soggy tenders can ruin your meal. To avoid this, ensure the chicken is dry before coating. Pat it with paper towels. Always spray the tops with olive oil before baking. This helps create a golden crust. Want to boost flavor? Add herbs like thyme or oregano. They pair well with lemon and garlic. You can also try spices like cumin or cayenne for a kick. For dipping sauces, think outside the box. A honey mustard or spicy mayo can add fun flavors. You can even make a yogurt dip with herbs for a fresh taste. Overcrowding the baking sheet leads to steaming, not baking. Give each tender space to breathe. This helps them crisp up. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. A hot oven ensures even cooking. Always check the temperature before putting in your chicken. Following these tips will make your tenders a hit! For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap regular flour with almond flour. Almond flour gives a nice crunch and flavor. It works well with the lemon and garlic. You can also try different cheeses. Instead of Parmesan, use mozzarella or cheddar. Both will melt and add flavor. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix. This gives a nice kick to the chicken. If you prefer a different taste, use lime instead of lemon. Lime adds a fresh twist to the dish. It pairs well with garlic and cheese. Serve your chicken tenders with tasty sides. They go great with a salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve them in wraps with some fresh greens. For a fun twist, make sliders with mini buns. These ideas make your meal even better. For the full recipe, check out the link! To keep your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Reheating can affect your chicken tenders' taste and texture. The oven is best for keeping them crispy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. If you use a microwave, place a paper towel over the chicken. This helps reduce sogginess. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. To freeze your chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about two hours. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Check that they are cooked through before serving. Bake your chicken tenders for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is no longer pink inside. The coating should be golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Yes, you can use chicken breasts. If you do, slice them into strips about the same size as tenders. This helps them cook evenly. Adjust the baking time if needed. Chicken breasts may take a few more minutes to bake. A few popular dipping sauces fit well with chicken tenders. You can try ranch dressing for a classic touch. Honey mustard adds a sweet twist. BBQ sauce is another favorite. For a kick, try a spicy aioli or garlic dipping sauce. Pairing sauces brings out the chicken's flavor. You now have all the tips to make tasty Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Remember to prep your ingredients first, and use the right coatings for crunch. Avoid common mistakes for the best results. Explore variations to keep things exciting, from spice to cheese choices. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers for later. Enjoy these tender bites with your favorite dips! I hope your cooking brings joy to your meals. Happy baking!$

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Savor the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken tenders coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture with zesty lemon and rich Parmesan make for a perfect meal. Discover how simple it is to whip up this flavorful dish in just 35 minutes. Want to impress your family at dinner?

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Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large lemon (zest and juice)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Prepare the Dredging Station: In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your dredging station: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs (add lemon juice, salt, and pepper), and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.

Dredge the Chicken: Start by coating each chicken tender in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them become golden and crisp during baking.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional lemon juice and sprinkle with more fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter lined with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a side of garlic dipping sauce or a zesty yogurt dip for added flavor!