Description
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with lemon-garlic-parmesan flavor—these oven-baked chicken tenders are a weeknight dream come true. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just looking for something deliciously different, these are sure to be a new favorite!
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh is best!)
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¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or spraying before baking)
Optional Add-ins/Substitutions:
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Red pepper flakes (for heat)
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Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
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Almond flour (for a keto version)
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Greek yogurt or buttermilk (for extra tender marinating)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.
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Prepare Coating: In one bowl, beat eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
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Bread the Tenders: Dip each chicken strip into the eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Press to coat well.
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Arrange for Baking: Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
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Bake or Air Fry:
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Oven Method: Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air Fryer Method: Cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
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Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and sides!
Notes
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Don’t skip the lemon-garlic marinade—it gives the tenders their bright, tangy base flavor.
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For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
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Make ahead tip: Bread the tenders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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To reheat and keep crispy, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3-4 tenders)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: lemon garlic parmesan chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, parmesan crusted chicken, healthy chicken fingers, kid-friendly chicken