When life hands you lemons, garlic, and chicken, you know something delicious is about to happen. Imagine tender chicken strips bathed in a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, then generously coated in parmesan cheese, all baked to crispy perfection. This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that will make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
Now, picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and the sun is setting just right. You’ve got friends over, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of these chicken tenders wafts through your home like a friendly hug. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor profile is bursting with zesty lemon and savory garlic that will please any palate
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, they look fantastic on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or party platters, they fit every occasion beautifully
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts cut into strips for even cooking.
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Fresh Garlic: Use about 4-5 cloves for that robust flavor kick; fresh is always better.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it adds brightness and prevents the chicken from drying out.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan gives a salty depth and helps create that crunchy coating.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for marinating; it’ll enhance flavor while keeping everything juicy.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your tenders can slide right off after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Cut your boneless chicken breasts into strips—think finger food but way tastier! Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Make Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. This savory concoction will infuse your chicken with layers of flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Marinate Chicken
Place the chicken strips into the marinade and let them soak up all that zesty goodness for at least 30 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy (and patient), let them marinate longer in the fridge.
Step 5: Coat with Parmesan
Remove chicken from the marinade (but don’t discard it) and coat each strip generously in grated parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the merrier!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—watch out for those crispy edges!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any leftover marinade as a finishing touch! You’ll have a plate full of lemony goodness that’s sure to impress anyone who dares take a bite.
So there you have it—Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders so good they might just make you rethink takeout forever! Enjoy them hot out of the oven or chilled as leftovers; either way, they’re bound to be a hit at any meal or snack time. Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs; after all, good food deserves good company!
You Must Know
- This delightful Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about bringing joy to your dinner table
- Every bite is bursting with a zesty kick, and these tenders are perfect for any occasion—dinner parties or cozy family nights alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in a zesty lemon garlic mixture. Once they soak up that tangy goodness, sear them in a hot pan. While they cook, whip up a fresh salad or some crispy fries to accompany your tender bites.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon for lime if you’re feeling adventurous! Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for an unexpected twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the crispiest chicken tenders, make sure your oil is hot before adding them to the pan
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it leads to steaming instead of frying
- If you’re short on time, use pre-marinated chicken tenders for quick preparation!
Sometimes, I surprise my friends with these Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders during game nights. Their faces light up after one crispy bite, and I can’t help but feel like a culinary rock star!
FAQs :
What are Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and flavorful dish made from tender strips of chicken breast marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This combination infuses the chicken with a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of garlic and cheese. They can be baked or fried, making them versatile for various cooking methods. These tenders are often served as an appetizer or main dish and can be accompanied by dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
How do I prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
To prepare Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, start by marinating chicken strips in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes. After marinating, you can coat the tenders in breadcrumbs mixed with more Parmesan before baking or frying them until golden brown. Serve them hot for the best taste experience.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders gluten-free by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients used in your marinade and coating are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish without compromising on dietary restrictions while still savoring every bite.
What side dishes pair well with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or quinoa salad complements the flavors beautifully. You might also serve these tenders with crispy French fries or a tangy coleslaw for added texture and taste contrast.
Conclusion for Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders :
In summary, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders offer a delightful blend of zesty lemon flavor and savory garlic notes that make them irresistible. With simple preparation steps and versatile serving options, these tenders are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor each delicious bite!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering treat that combines tender chicken strips with a zesty marinade of lemon and garlic, all encrusted in a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering an explosion of flavor that will delight your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), cut into strips
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Coat each chicken strip with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange on the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 tenders (120g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or swap lemon for lime for a different flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Parmesan coating.