What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade recipes like these lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders, made with tender loving care and a burst of citrus flavor from fresh lemons. Save this idea for a family favorite meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, try it soon and enjoy the simplicity of a delicious homemade meal.

lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders on a white plate with lemon wedges

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the brightness of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the richness of parmesan, all wrapped up in tender and juicy chicken tenders. This recipe for lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders is not only a flavor sensation, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few everyday ingredients. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creativity in this dish comes from the balance of flavors and textures, from the crunch of the parmesan crust to the zing of the lemon, making it a standout for any meal.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of lemon, garlic, and parmesan creates a harmony of flavors that is both bright and rich, using ingredients that are easily found in most kitchens.
• Ease of preparation: The steps to prepare this dish are straightforward and simple, requiring minimal prep time and kitchen expertise.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and flavors of this dish are impressive, making it suitable for serving to guests or enjoying as a special treat.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken breasts, lemon zest, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the chicken, you can use either fresh or frozen breasts, just ensure they are thawed before use. The lemon zest adds a nice citrus flavor, and you can adjust the amount to your taste. Garlic is minced for ease of mixing into the parmesan cheese and olive oil mixture. Parmesan cheese can be substituted with other hard cheeses like pecorino, but parmesan provides a classic flavor. Olive oil is used for its mild flavor and high smoke point, ideal for sautéing. Salt and pepper are used to season, but feel free to add any other herbs or spices you like. Practical substitutions could include using lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons for zest, or using garlic powder if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts and cut them into tender strips. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon. Measure out the parmesan cheese and olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix together the parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. In a separate dish, beat an egg for egg wash, which helps the parmesan mixture stick to the chicken. Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, coating completely, then roll in the parmesan mixture to coat. Place the coated tenders on a plate or tray.
3. Step 3: Heat about half an inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the coated chicken tenders to the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan crust is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
4. Step 4: Once all the chicken tenders are cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot on a white plate with lemon wedges on the side. You can garnish with parsley or additional parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken tenders in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and crisp up in the oil.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in a soggy or unevenly cooked coating. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when frying the chicken tenders. The ideal temperature for the oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect fry. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of the parmesan mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. The timing will depend on the size of your chicken tenders, but generally, 5-6 minutes per side is a good rule of thumb. Signs of doneness include the chicken being cooked through, the juices running clear, and the parmesan crust being golden brown.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor is key to this dish. The parmesan cheese provides a nice crunch when fried, but to enhance this, ensure that the chicken tenders are not overcrowded in the skillet, allowing each tender to cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Also, not overcooking the chicken helps retain moisture inside while keeping the outside crispy. For an extra crunchy coating, you can also try adding some panko breadcrumbs to the parmesan mixture before coating the chicken.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature. This prevents the oil from being too hot or too cold, which can affect the texture and safety of the dish.
• Don’t stir the chicken tenders too much while they’re cooking. Let them develop a nice crust on one side before flipping them. This helps in achieving that perfect crunch.
• For easier cleanup, line your skillet with foil before adding the oil. This way, when you’re done cooking, you can simply throw away the foil and wipe down the skillet.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to reheat.
• The best containers for storing are airtight ones to keep the chicken fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders, perhaps for a party or as a meal for a friend, you can package them in a decorative tin or airtight container. Add some fresh parsley or a lemon wedge on top for garnish, and include a side of your favorite dipping sauce. For a more rustic look, you can wrap the tenders in parchment paper or a paper bag and tie with twine. Don’t forget to include reheating instructions if you’re gifting cooked tenders.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the parmesan mixture for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, you can top them with additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, ensure that your breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free. You can also swap out the parmesan cheese for another hard cheese, or use different types of oil for frying.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your parmesan crust is not crisping up, it might be due to overcrowding the skillet or not heating the oil to the right temperature. Try cooking in batches and checking your oil temperature.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of an ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, if you don’t have lemon zest, you could use a bit of lemon juice or omit it altogether.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the chicken tenders frequently while they’re cooking. If they’re undercooked, they will feel soft and squishy to the touch. If they’re overcooked, they’ll be dry and hard. Adjust your cooking time as needed to achieve the perfect doneness.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both cooked and uncooked chicken tenders. For uncooked, freeze them after coating, and for cooked, freeze after they’ve cooled down completely.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure that all the ingredients, including any breadcrumbs used, are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Just ensure you have enough oil in the skillet and cook the tenders in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

This recipe for lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its bright, rich flavors and crunchy texture, it’s sure to please both kids and adults. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and flavor variations to make it your own. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this dish is easy to make and fun to serve. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of lemon, garlic, and parmesan in every tender bite!