If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with rich, tangy creaminess, then this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These golden, crunchy tenders coated in a savory Parmesan crust are elevated by a luscious lemon cream sauce that adds a fresh, zesty kick you won’t be able to resist. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create an impressive meal that feels both indulgent and bright, perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, combining to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the sharpness of Parmesan to the brightness of fresh lemon, each component plays a vital role.
- Chicken tenders: The perfect cut for tender, quick-cooking pieces that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty crust that crisps beautifully during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style): Provide extra crunch and help bind the coating.
- Eggs, beaten: Act as a glue to hold the coating firmly on the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: For searing or air frying to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Butter: Adds richness to the delicate lemon cream sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Impart a fragrant, savory base to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious texture for the sauce.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Bring bright acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
- Optional capers: Provide a pleasantly tangy, briny pop if you want a bit more depth.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Method
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F if you’re using one, or warming olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This initial step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and develops that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This mixture creates the crispy crust. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb blend so each piece is generously coated. This double-step coating locks in moisture while crisping up beautifully.
Step 3: Cook Until Crisp
If air frying, arrange the coated tenders in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through. For pan-searing, cook tenders for about 3 to 4 minutes per side in the hot oil until they develop an even, crunchy exterior and the inside is juicy and cooked through. There’s nothing like the sizzle and aroma of perfectly seared chicken!
Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice, plus the optional capers if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld those bright, creamy flavors.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once your chicken tenders are perfectly crisp and your lemon cream sauce is silky and tangy, drizzle the sauce generously over the tenders. Serve immediately for the best contrast between crunchy and creamy. This moment is pure magic in your kitchen!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil bring a touch of color and herbal brightness that complements the richness of the sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side let guests adjust the citrus accent to their liking, making every bite personalized and fresh.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a peppery arugula salad tossed with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar, balancing the richness of the chicken. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide earthy, caramelized notes and a satisfying crunch, rounding out your meal with color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange the tenders on a large platter with sauce drizzled artistically over them, topped with capers and lemon zest curls. Or serve the chicken tenders individually stacked over a bed of creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes for extra comfort appeal. The presentation possibilities are endless when your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe shines so brightly on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lemon cream sauce separate if possible to maintain its bright flavor and creamy texture when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. The sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen in small portions if needed.
Reheating
Reheat the tenders in a toaster oven or air fryer to revive their crispiness. Warm the lemon cream sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Combining both just before serving ensures your dish tastes as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips roughly the size of tenders, and follow the same coating and cooking steps. Keep an eye on cooking time since thicker strips might need a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The Parmesan crust will still deliver that amazing crunch you crave.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely. Pan-searing the chicken in olive oil on the stove produces a wonderfully crispy crust and juicy interior. Just make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tenders.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the lemon sauce?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be a bit less rich and thick. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works nicely and adds a subtly sweet flavor.
Are capers necessary for the sauce?
Capers are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a briny, tangy pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan, omit them and the sauce will still be deliciously bright and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe is a joyful celebration of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly quick to make yet impressive to serve. Whether you’re cooking for your family or showing off to friends, this dish offers that wonderful home-cooked feeling with a restaurant-quality twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, paired perfectly with a zesty and creamy lemon sauce. Quick to prepare and cook, these tender chicken strips offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making a crave-worthy meal that suits both air fryer and stovetop cooking methods.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing) or cooking spray (for air-frying)
For the Lemon Cream Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp capers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cooking Surface: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if using, or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat if cooking on the stovetop. This ensures the cooking surface is hot enough to crisp the chicken tenders properly.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to create a thick, even crust.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Place the coated tenders into the air fryer basket or skillet. Cook in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through. If using a skillet, cook tenders for 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the crust is golden and chicken is fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers if using, then simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked Parmesan crusted chicken tenders on a plate and drizzle generously with the warm lemon cream sauce. Serve alongside fresh arugula salad or your choice of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use either an air fryer or stovetop skillet method depending on your preferred cooking appliance.
- For extra crispiness, panko breadcrumbs are recommended over traditional breadcrumbs.
- Adjust seasoning of the lemon cream sauce to balance the lemon’s acidity to your liking.
- Capers are optional but add a nice briny contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Ensure chicken tenders are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe pairs well with simple sides such as roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or steamed greens.
