Name: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg.; 2 tablespoons olive oil.; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice of ½ a lemon).; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped.; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced.; ¾ teaspoon salt, to season.; ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper.; 28 ounces chicken tenders.; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs.; ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (garlic, herb, or Italian seasoned for extra flavor).; 1 teaspoon mild paprika (sweet, smoky, or spicy).; ½ teaspoon garlic powder.; ½ teaspoon onion powder.; ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. These chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and parsley, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy crust. To prepare, preheat the oven to 400°F, whisk together egg, oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken in the mixture and let sit. Combine breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese, then coat the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

If you're looking for a delicious and easy chicken dish, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. These chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and parsley, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy crust that will satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone.

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg: Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and flavor to the marinade.
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice of ½ a lemon): Provides a tangy, fresh flavor that complements the chicken.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, herbal note to the dish.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory flavor.
¾ teaspoon salt, to season: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
¼ teaspoon cracked pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice.
28 ounces chicken tenders: The star of the dish, these should be fresh and of good quality.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
½ cup regular breadcrumbs (garlic, herb, or Italian seasoned for extra flavor): Adds depth of flavor and additional crunch.
1 teaspoon mild paprika (sweet, smoky, or spicy): Provides a subtle heat and rich color.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds a savory note.
¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy crust.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking tray/sheet with cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken: Dip chicken tenders into the egg mixture and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing the crumb mixture. OPTIONAL: Cover and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour (if time allows).
Step 4: Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, combine both breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Coat the chicken: Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb/Parmesan mixture, lightly pressing to evenly coat.
Step 6: Arrange and bake: Arrange tenders on the baking sheet/tray and lightly spray with cooking oil spray. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for a further 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. (Broil in the last 2-3 minutes for a golden crispy crumb!)

Serving and Storage Tips

To serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, pair them with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce. These tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Helpful Notes

For a twist, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Renowned chef Ina Garten suggests always using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. She notes, "Fresh ingredients make all the difference in a dish like this."

Experiment with different herbs and spices to make this recipe your own. A touch of rosemary or thyme can add a wonderful depth of flavor. Remember, the key to a great dish is balancing the flavors, so taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.