Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy golden lemon pepper chicken tenders sparkle with zesty Mediterranean-inspired magic on your dinner plate.

Juicy strips of tender meat glisten under a perfectly seasoned coating.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a quick culinary adventure with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Your kitchen will buzz with anticipation as these delectable morsels sizzle and crisp.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside robust black pepper, creating an irresistible combination that makes taste buds sing.

Minimal prep meets maximum satisfaction in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Dive into this recipe and watch how effortlessly you can craft restaurant-quality chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender meat that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Choose fresh, uniform-sized tenders for even cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Classic spice combination that adds depth and warmth to the chicken. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy note that adds freshness and complements the savory spices. Use fresh lemon for the most vibrant flavor.

• Paper Towels: Used for drying chicken to ensure crisp exterior when cooking. Removes excess moisture for better seasoning adherence and browning.

Cooking Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Simply

Step 1: Dry Chicken Perfectly

Pat chicken tenders thoroughly with clean paper towels, removing all excess moisture to ensure crispy exterior and even seasoning.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Fresh lemon zest

Massage seasonings gently into each tender, making sure every inch gets coated with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, adding a light coating of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sear Chicken Beautifully

Carefully place seasoned chicken tenders into hot pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding.

Step 5: Cook Until Perfectly Done

Cook tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Chicken should have a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove tenders from heat, let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve immediately with your favorite side dish or dipping sauce.

Smart Tips for Juicy Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to ensure crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Zest with Purpose: Grate fresh lemon zest directly onto the chicken for intense citrus flavor that penetrates the meat deeply.
• Seasoning Secret: Mix dry spices together before coating to distribute flavors evenly and create a more balanced taste profile.
• Layer Flavor Dimensions: Allow seasoned chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help spices adhere and enhance overall taste.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Bake at 400°F for juicy results, air fry for extra crispiness, or pan-sear for quick weeknight dinner.

Keep Your Lemon Pepper Tenders Fresh

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Arrange tenders on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture, heat in 30-second intervals, checking after each to avoid overcooking.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Pepper Tenders

• Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the bright lemon notes, cutting through the chicken's richness with its citrusy undertones.
• Cucumber and dill salad offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the zesty pepper chicken, balancing the dish's bold flavors.
• Homemade garlic aioli with extra lemon zest intensifies the recipe's citrus profile, adding creamy texture and punchy taste.
• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery green element that echoes the dish's zesty seasoning, creating a harmonious plate.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with a Twist

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating chicken tenders, ensuring a crispy texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip breading entirely and air fry or bake chicken tenders directly with the lemon pepper seasoning for a protein-packed, carbohydrate-conscious meal.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use pork rinds crushed as a zero-carb breading alternative, maintaining the crispy exterior while keeping the recipe metabolically friendly.
• Dairy-Free Adjustment: Swap any potential dairy-based marinades with olive oil or coconut milk to create a lighter, allergen-friendly coating for the chicken tenders.

FAQs on Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

• What are the key seasonings used in this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe?

The key seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and fresh lemon zest, which create a vibrant and flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.

• Why is it important to pat the chicken tenders dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken tenders dry helps the seasonings adhere better to the surface and promotes better browning and crispiness when cooking, ensuring a more delicious result.

• Can I use dried lemon peel instead of fresh lemon zest?

While fresh lemon zest provides the most vibrant flavor, dried lemon peel can be a suitable substitute if fresh zest is unavailable. However, fresh zest will give a more intense and bright citrus note to the chicken tenders.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who prefer mild flavors?

The combination of seasonings creates a balanced flavor profile that isn’t overly intense. You can adjust the amount of black pepper and lemon zest to suit your personal taste preferences.

What Makes Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders So Good

• Grab paper towels and dry those chicken tenders in seconds, making seasoning stick perfectly and ensure crispy results.
• Blend simple pantry spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and bright lemon zest to create a tantalizing taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
• This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy families wanting a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes without complicated techniques.
• Kids and adults alike will love the zesty, savory coating that makes these chicken tenders irresistibly delicious and perfect for everything from casual dinners to game day snacks.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken tenders bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with crispy, tangy perfection. Seasoned with bold spices and quick-baked, these tender morsels promise a delightful meal that satisfies both comfort and gourmet cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)

Breading and Coating:

• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken tenders with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Create a vibrant seasoning blend by combining granulated salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and fragrant lemon zest.
3. Generously coat each chicken tender with the aromatic spice mixture, pressing the seasonings gently into the surface to maximize flavor absorption.
4. Allow the seasoned tenders to rest momentarily, enabling the spices to penetrate and enhance the meat’s natural taste profile.
5. Proceed with your preferred cooking method – grilling, baking, or pan-searing – to transform the seasoned tenders into a delectable, zesty protein dish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy breading.
• Use freshly grated lemon zest for a more vibrant, intense citrus punch that elevates the overall taste profile of the chicken tenders.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing garlic or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bolder, more intense seasoning blend.
• For a gluten-free option, replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain a crunchy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg