Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal

Chicken tenders are a weeknight dinner staple for many families. They’re quick, easy to cook, and generally well-received by even the pickiest eaters. But let’s face it, plain chicken tenders can get a little boring. This recipe elevates the humble chicken tender with bright, zesty lemon and fragrant thyme, creating a dish that’s both delicious and surprisingly sophisticated. These Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders are packed with flavor, juicy, and perfectly crispy. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them as a main course or as a fun appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of lemon, thyme, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** These chicken tenders can be served in a variety of ways – as a main course with your favorite sides, as a topping for salads, or even in wraps or sandwiches.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the crispy texture and delicious flavor of these chicken tenders.
* **Healthy(ish):** Baked instead of fried, these tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders:

* **Chicken Tenders:** 1.5-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders. Look for tenders that are uniform in size for even cooking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken and adds flavor.
* **Lemon:** 1 large lemon, zested and juiced. The lemon zest provides a bright, aromatic flavor, while the juice adds acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, chopped. Fresh thyme is essential for this recipe, as it provides a distinct and fragrant flavor. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be less intense.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor to the breading.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating a more satisfying texture.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. The flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken, creating a better base for the breadcrumbs.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, beaten. The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and breading.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet for baking the chicken tenders.
* **Parchment Paper:** Parchment paper to line the baking sheet. This prevents the chicken tenders from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* **Three Shallow Dishes:** Three shallow dishes for the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
* **Whisk:** A whisk for beating the eggs.
* **Zester:** A zester for zesting the lemon.
* **Juicer:** A juicer or your hands for juicing the lemon.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the breadcrumb mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these delicious Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
* If the chicken tenders are very thick, you can pound them lightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to over-pound them, as they can become thin and dry.

**2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:**

* In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, chopped fresh thyme, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

**3. Set Up the Breading Station:**

* Place the all-purpose flour in one shallow dish.
* Place the beaten eggs in another shallow dish.
* Place the breadcrumb mixture in the third shallow dish.

**4. Bread the Chicken Tenders:**

* Working one chicken tender at a time, dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly.
* Dip the floured chicken tender in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
* Finally, dredge the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
* Place the breaded chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet.
* Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.

**5. Bake the Chicken Tenders:**

* Drizzle the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil. This will help them get crispy in the oven.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as lemon aioli, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure to leave some space between the chicken tenders on the baking sheet. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lemon juice and thyme make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. If possible, use fresh ingredients for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken tenders can be dry and tough. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it is cooked through but not overcooked.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Get Creative with Dipping Sauces:** Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. Lemon aioli, ranch dressing, honey mustard, and marinara sauce are all great options.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Main Course:** Serve the chicken tenders as a main course with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the chicken tenders into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
* **Salad Topping:** Slice the chicken tenders and use them as a topping for salads.
* **Wraps and Sandwiches:** Use the chicken tenders to make wraps or sandwiches with your favorite toppings and sauces.
* **Tacos or Fajitas:** Dice the chicken tenders and use them as filling for tacos or fajitas.

Variations

* **Spicy Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders:** Add more red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicier flavor.
* **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders:** Increase the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil, in the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:** Cook the chicken tenders in an air fryer for an even crispier texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* You can also bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them tightly with plastic wrap.

Storage Instructions

* Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Lemon Thyme Aioli Dipping Sauce

Elevate your Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders with this creamy and flavorful Lemon Thyme Aioli dipping sauce:

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

* In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
* Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
* Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
* Serve with Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders.

This Lemon Thyme Chicken Tenders recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s easy, flavorful, and versatile, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. So, give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!