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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken tenders with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
- Create a vibrant seasoning blend by combining granulated salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and fragrant lemon zest.
- Generously coat each chicken tender with the aromatic spice mixture, pressing the seasonings gently into the surface to maximize flavor absorption.
- Allow the seasoned tenders to rest momentarily, enabling the spices to penetrate and enhance the meat’s natural taste profile.
- 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