Description
Crispy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection. These tender chicken strips are coated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then encrusted with a cheesy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, making for an irresistible appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Finishing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Chicken Strips: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide for even cooking and easy handling.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture to coat them evenly, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip thoroughly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to ensure a full, even coating.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray a little cooking spray instead of drizzling olive oil.
- Serve these chicken tenders with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
