Zesty Lemon Chicken Tenders: A Quick and Easy Family Favorite

Lemon chicken tenders are a weeknight dinner hero. They’re quick to make, bursting with bright, zesty flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them over pasta, with a side of roasted vegetables, or even in a sandwich, these tender morsels of chicken are sure to be a hit with the whole family. This recipe provides detailed instructions to ensure perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken tenders every single time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right ingredients to troubleshooting common issues. So, grab your cutting board and let’s get cooking!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The bright lemon marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty and refreshing taste.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or in salads and sandwiches.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the tender texture and delicious flavor.
* **Healthy(ish):** Baked instead of fried, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

* **Chicken Tenders:** 1.5 – 2 pounds, preferably fresh. You can also use chicken breasts and cut them into strips, but tenders cook quicker and are naturally more tender.
* **Lemons:** 2-3 large, juicy lemons. You’ll need both the zest and the juice. Opt for organic lemons if possible, especially if using the zest.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, savory flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. This blend of herbs adds depth of flavor to the marinade.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the chicken and marinade.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup. Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy and light coating. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty, savory flavor to the coating.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup. Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
* **Eggs:** 2 large, lightly beaten. The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish).

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let’s get down to the cooking! Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly cooked lemon chicken tenders.

**1. Prepare the Lemon Marinade:**

* In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons), lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons), olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.

**2. Marinate the Chicken:**

* Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lemon marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all the tenders are coated evenly.
* Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be, but don’t marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibers and make it mushy.

**3. Prepare the Breading Station:**

* Set up three shallow dishes or plates for the breading station.
* In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour.
* In the second dish, place the beaten eggs.
* In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

**4. Bread the Chicken:**

* Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
* Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
* Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
* Finally, coat the chicken tender in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
* Repeat this process with all the remaining chicken tenders.

**5. Bake the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.
* Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to crisp up.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

**6. Rest and Serve:**

* Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken Tenders:

* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** As mentioned earlier, marinating the chicken for too long can make it mushy. Stick to the 30-minute to 2-hour window.
* **Dry the Chicken:** Before marinating, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice:** Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor as freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s worth the extra effort to squeeze your own lemons.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Ensure the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet with enough space between them. This will allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
* **Check the Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Get the Panko Crispy:** For extra crispy chicken tenders, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking. This will help the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up.

## Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
* **Dairy-Free:** Omit the Parmesan cheese from the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs in the marinade, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Air Fryer:** These chicken tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
* **Grilled:** Marinate the chicken as directed. Grill the chicken tenders over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
* **Honey Lemon Chicken:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the lemon marinade for a sweeter flavor.

## Serving Suggestions:

Lemon chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

* **Pasta:** Serve them over your favorite pasta with a lemon butter sauce or a simple tomato sauce.
* **Salad:** Add them to a green salad or a Caesar salad for a protein-packed meal.
* **Sandwiches:** Use them in chicken sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
* **Rice:** Serve them with rice and roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Appetizer:** Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.
* **Tacos:** Crumble the chicken tenders and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Alongside Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans or a simple side salad are all great accompaniments.

## Dipping Sauce Ideas:

While lemon chicken tenders are delicious on their own, dipping sauces can elevate the experience.

* **Ranch Dressing:** A classic and creamy dipping sauce that pairs well with chicken.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the lemon flavor.
* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** A slightly spicy and sweet dipping sauce that adds a kick.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A creamy and garlicky dipping sauce that adds richness and flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Aioli:** A variation of garlic aioli with added lemon zest and fresh herbs.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** A refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
* **BBQ Sauce:** A smoky and sweet dipping sauce that provides a contrasting flavor profile.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues:

* **Chicken is Dry:** Make sure you are not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Breading is Not Crispy:** Ensure the chicken tenders are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet and are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking to help the breadcrumbs crisp up. You can also try broiling the chicken for the last minute or two of cooking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Breading Falls Off:** Make sure you are thoroughly dredging the chicken in the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to help them adhere.
* **Chicken is Undercooked:** Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If the chicken is not cooked through, return it to the oven and bake for a few more minutes.
* **Chicken Tastes Bland:** Make sure you are seasoning the marinade and breadcrumb mixture generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavor.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions:

* **Storage:** Leftover lemon chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken tenders for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, the breading may become soggy in the microwave.
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the breading.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

* **Can I use frozen chicken tenders?** Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?** You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.
* **Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?** Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
* **What is the best type of panko breadcrumbs to use?** Regular panko breadcrumbs work well, but you can also use Japanese panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and airier.
* **Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?** Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips that are about the same size as chicken tenders. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting them into strips to ensure even cooking.

## Lemon Chicken Tenders Recipe:

This recipe card summarizes the key ingredients and instructions for your convenience.

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 30 minutes to 2 hours
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 pounds chicken tenders
* 2-3 lemons, juiced and zested
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken tenders in a resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over them. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
4. Set up three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
5. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with panko mixture.
6. Arrange chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and breading is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

## Conclusion:

These zesty lemon chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, flavorful, and versatile enough to be served in countless ways. With this detailed recipe and all the tips and variations provided, you’ll be able to create perfectly cooked, delicious lemon chicken tenders every time. So, go ahead and give it a try – your family will thank you!

Enjoy your cooking journey!