Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders! They’re absolutely bursting with flavor, and trust me, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. I first whipped these up for a cozy family dinner, and the way the lemon and garlic meld with the crispy parmesan coating was nothing short of magical. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by a juicy, tender chicken explosion! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Plus, it’s so easy to make—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Ingredients List
These are the simple yet essential ingredients you’ll need to create your lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders. Trust me, each one plays a vital role in building that amazing flavor!
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 lemons, juiced (freshly squeezed is best for that zesty kick!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to adjust if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
- 1 cup packed grated parmesan cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I recommend using panko for extra crunch!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (this will help everything crisp up nicely)
- 1 teaspoon salt (you can always add more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just a pinch for that subtle warmth)
Gather these goodies, and you’ll be ready to create a dish that’s both delightful and satisfying!
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Making these lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders is a breeze! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Preheat and Marinate
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key to achieving that perfect golden brown finish! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where all the magic begins! Toss in the chicken tenders and let them soak up that zesty goodness for about 30 minutes. This step really makes the flavors pop!
Prepare the Coating
Now for the fun part! In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. This combo is going to create that irresistible crispy coating. After your chicken has marinated, take each tender and coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. I like to press it down a little to ensure it sticks—because who doesn’t love extra crunch?
Baking the Chicken Tenders
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the coated chicken tenders on the sheet, making sure they’re not crowded. Drizzle olive oil over the top to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to check for doneness; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The smell will be absolutely divine, and your family will be counting down the minutes until they can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just about 55 minutes, including marination!
- Flavor-packed with zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich parmesan.
- Light and healthy, perfect for a guilt-free weeknight dinner.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Gluten-free option available, so everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make your lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic level to suit your taste—if you love that punchy flavor, add an extra clove or two! Another great idea is to serve these tenders with a refreshing side salad or some roasted veggies; the freshness complements the richness beautifully. If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), they’re fantastic cold in a sandwich or salad the next day. Just get creative, and enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delicious lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders comes in at about 350 calories, with 15g of fat and 30g of protein. You’ll also find 24g of carbs and just 1g of sugar, making this a nutritious choice! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences.
FAQ Section
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores, and they work just as well. Alternatively, crushed gluten-free crackers or even ground almonds can provide a tasty coating. Just be sure to check labels and ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to slice them into tenders for even cooking. It’s a good idea to pound them slightly to ensure they’re all the same thickness. This way, they’ll cook evenly and stay juicy. The cooking time might be a bit longer, so just keep an eye on them!
What can I serve with lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving them alongside a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a light meal. You could also whip up some garlic mashed potatoes or a zesty quinoa salad for a heartier option. And don’t forget a side of dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for an extra flavor boost!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely before storing. Place your lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This way, they’ll stay crispy and delicious!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this creamy mushroom chicken recipe or this garlic herb chicken recipe.
Z nadrukami
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Delicious lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken tenders in the mixture for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Coat marinated chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Uwagi
- Adjust the garlic according to your taste.
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 9g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 24g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders
