Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Simple Meal

If you’re hungry for a quick, tasty meal idea, look no further! Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are both simple and satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create golden, crispy chicken that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish will please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal in no time!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenders

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced finely

– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

Additional Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In this recipe, we focus on simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chicken tenders serve as the base, providing a tender bite that cooks quickly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give that extra crunch we all love.

For seasoning, olive oil helps the coating stick. Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and add a refreshing taste.

To finish, we use dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper for balanced seasoning. These simple ingredients work together to create a delicious meal. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

– Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Mixing Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.

– Stir the mixture until all ingredients blend well.

– In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until mixed.

Coating the Chicken

– Take each chicken tender and dip it into the olive oil mixture.

– Make sure the tender is fully coated on all sides.

– Roll the tender in the breadcrumb mixture.

– Press down gently so the coating sticks well.

Baking

– Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

– Ensure they are spaced evenly for even cooking.

– Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

– Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture to know they are done.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To ensure a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Coat the chicken tenders fully in the olive oil mixture. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. Space the chicken tenders evenly on the baking sheet. This prevents them from steaming and keeps them crispy.

To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a tender. The meat should be white, not pink.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your chicken tenders with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to the dish. For dipping sauces, try ranch or garlic mayonnaise. They complement the flavors well and add extra taste.

Flavor Boosting Ideas

For added flavor, mix spices into the breadcrumb mixture. Try paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. These little tweaks can elevate your dish.

For the full recipe, follow the steps provided above!

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken tenders for chicken breasts. They will work just as well. Cut the breasts into strips for even cooking. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, use another hard cheese. Pecorino Romano or aged Gouda can add a nice twist.

Flavor Variations

Want to kick it up a notch? Add spices like paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your chicken a nice heat. You can also infuse herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients.

Cooking Methods

For a healthier version, try air frying the chicken. It cooks quickly and gives a crispy finish without much oil. If you love smoky flavors, grill the chicken instead. This adds a wonderful char that pairs well with the lemon and garlic.

Explore the [Full Recipe] for more tips and details!

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chicken tenders cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This method helps prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

For best practices in freezing chicken tenders, ensure they are cooled completely. Wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. This method can keep your tenders tasty for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

To maintain a crispy texture when reheating, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken tenders for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This keeps the coating crunchy and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook chicken tenders?

Cooking chicken tenders takes about 20 to 25 minutes. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the coating get nice and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these tenders ahead of time. You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes dinner easy and quick. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked tenders on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months.

What to serve with Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Fresh garden salad

– Roasted vegetables

– Garlic bread

– Mashed potatoes

– Rice or quinoa

– A light dipping sauce like ranch or garlic mayo

These sides help create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Frozen tenders usually need about 5 to 10 extra minutes in the oven. Make sure the coating is crispy and golden. Always check that the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer.

In this post, we covered how to make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We explored the main and seasoning ingredients, giving you the perfect blend of flavors. The step-by-step instructions will help you easily prepare the dish. Remember to check the chicken doneness and experiment with variations. Have fun with the toppings and sauces to boost flavor. With tips on storage and reheating, these tenders can be enjoyed long after cooking. Your kitchen will smell great, and your taste buds will thank you!

- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves of garlic, minced finely - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper In this recipe, we focus on simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chicken tenders serve as the base, providing a tender bite that cooks quickly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give that extra crunch we all love. For seasoning, olive oil helps the coating stick. Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and add a refreshing taste. To finish, we use dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper for balanced seasoning. These simple ingredients work together to create a delicious meal. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. - Stir the mixture until all ingredients blend well. - In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until mixed. - Take each chicken tender and dip it into the olive oil mixture. - Make sure the tender is fully coated on all sides. - Roll the tender in the breadcrumb mixture. - Press down gently so the coating sticks well. - Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. - Ensure they are spaced evenly for even cooking. - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. - Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture to know they are done. To ensure a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Coat the chicken tenders fully in the olive oil mixture. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. Space the chicken tenders evenly on the baking sheet. This prevents them from steaming and keeps them crispy. To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into a tender. The meat should be white, not pink. Garnish your chicken tenders with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to the dish. For dipping sauces, try ranch or garlic mayonnaise. They complement the flavors well and add extra taste. For added flavor, mix spices into the breadcrumb mixture. Try paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. These little tweaks can elevate your dish. For the full recipe, follow the steps provided above! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken tenders for chicken breasts. They will work just as well. Cut the breasts into strips for even cooking. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, use another hard cheese. Pecorino Romano or aged Gouda can add a nice twist. Want to kick it up a notch? Add spices like paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your chicken a nice heat. You can also infuse herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients. For a healthier version, try air frying the chicken. It cooks quickly and gives a crispy finish without much oil. If you love smoky flavors, grill the chicken instead. This adds a wonderful char that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more tips and details! To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chicken tenders cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This method helps prevent sticking. For best practices in freezing chicken tenders, ensure they are cooled completely. Wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. This method can keep your tenders tasty for up to three months. To maintain a crispy texture when reheating, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken tenders for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This keeps the coating crunchy and the chicken juicy. Cooking chicken tenders takes about 20 to 25 minutes. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the coating get nice and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Yes, you can prepare these tenders ahead of time. You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes dinner easy and quick. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked tenders on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh garden salad - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - Mashed potatoes - Rice or quinoa - A light dipping sauce like ranch or garlic mayo These sides help create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Frozen tenders usually need about 5 to 10 extra minutes in the oven. Make sure the coating is crispy and golden. Always check that the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. In this post, we covered how to make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We explored the main and seasoning ingredients, giving you the perfect blend of flavors. The step-by-step instructions will help you easily prepare the dish. Remember to check the chicken doneness and experiment with variations. Have fun with the toppings and sauces to boost flavor. With tips on storage and reheating, these tenders can be enjoyed long after cooking. Your kitchen will smell great, and your taste buds will thank you!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Get ready to savor the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe features juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan mix, perfectly baked to golden perfection. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs, you can whip up a flavorful meal in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this zesty twist on chicken tenders!

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced finely

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

      In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well blended.

        Take each chicken tender and dip it into the lemon and olive oil mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.

          After coating in the liquid, roll each chicken tender in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure that the coating adheres well to the chicken.

            Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly to promote even cooking.

              Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked and the coating should turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.

                Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick, and sprinkle additional fresh parsley for brightness. Pair the tenders with a flavorful dipping sauce, such as creamy ranch or zesty garlic mayonnaise, to enhance the eating experience!

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