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
Scale
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.
