Lemon Pepper Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

If you love chicken tenders that are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor — these Lemon Pepper Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders will absolutely steal your heart! 🍗✨ The zesty punch of lemon, the kick of black pepper, and the nutty saltiness of Parmesan come together to create a crave-worthy, restaurant-style dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether it’s for dinner, meal prep, or snacking, these tenders deliver golden perfection in every bite! 💛

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The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by my love for all things crispy and tangy. One evening, I was craving chicken tenders but wanted something more sophisticated than the usual breaded ones. I tossed in some fresh lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan into my coating mix — and the result? Pure magic! 🍋🧀 The aroma of lemon and cheese filled my kitchen, and my family devoured every last piece. Since that day, these tenders have become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests with something easy yet elegant.

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

✨ A crispy golden crust that’s packed with lemon zest and Parmesan goodness.
✨ Super tender and juicy chicken inside. 🍗
✨ Perfect balance of citrusy freshness and peppery spice.
✨ Quick, easy, and made with pantry ingredients.
✨ Great for both air fryer and oven methods!

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips) 🍗
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon zest 🍋
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Coating:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt

For the Dredge:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp milk

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges 🍋
• Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
• Optional: Ranch or garlic aioli for dipping

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (or 375°F for air fryer). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Pat chicken tenders dry, then season with salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder.

Step 3: In one bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and salt.

Step 4: Dredge each chicken strip first in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated and slightly pressed for a firm crust. 🧀✨

Step 5: Place tenders on the baking tray and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes (or air fry for 12–15 minutes), flipping halfway through until crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before serving for an extra citrusy punch! 🍋

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

🥔 Pair with roasted potatoes or fries for a classic combo.
🥗 Serve over Caesar salad for a light meal.
🍝 Enjoy with creamy Alfredo pasta for extra indulgence.
🍋 Dip in garlic aioli, ranch, or honey mustard for flavor variety.

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Customization & Variations

💛 Use Italian seasoning instead of lemon pepper for a Mediterranean twist.
🔥 Add cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy version.
🍞 Use crushed Ritz crackers for a richer, buttery coating.
🧄 Add minced garlic into the breadcrumb mix for an aromatic kick.
🥚 Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and GF breadcrumbs.

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Storing & Reheating

❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes until crisp again.
💡 Avoid microwaving — it can make the coating soggy!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice them into even strips for consistent cooking. 🍗

2. What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. 🧀

3. Can I air fry these?
Absolutely — they turn out super crispy with less oil!

4. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat chicken dry and press the coating firmly before baking.

5. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven. ❄️

6. Is lemon pepper seasoning store-bought or homemade?
Either works — you can also mix lemon zest + black pepper + salt at home. 🍋

7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a similar flavor. 🌱

8. What dipping sauce works best?
Ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli all pair perfectly!

9. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, baked tenders come out crisp and healthier too! 🍗

10. Can I serve this with pasta?
Definitely — it pairs beautifully with creamy or lemony pastas. 🍝

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Final Thoughts

These Lemon Pepper Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are everything you want in comfort food — crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with that burst of zesty lemon and cheesy goodness! 🍋🧀 Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, they’re the kind of recipe that never disappoints. Serve them hot with a fresh squeeze of lemon and watch everyone reach for seconds! 😍

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🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

We’d love to see your golden, crispy tenders! Tag us on Pinterest 👉 @mamacooksdinner and share your lemony creations with our food-loving community! 🍋💛

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