Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these irresistibly crispy and zesty Lemon Chicken Tenders! Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic spices, these chicken tenders are coated in a golden breadcrumb-Parmesan crust, pan-fried to perfection for a crisp exterior and juicy interior. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple pantry staples, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish. Serve these flavorful tenders with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a beautiful garnish. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, this easy lemon chicken recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Garnish the chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Calories |
3820 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.0 g | 291% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.6 g | 233% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 68.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 662 mg | 221% | |
| Sodium | 8682 mg | 377% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.8 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.5 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g | ||
| Protein | 167.7 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 830 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 1897 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.