Zesty Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe with Snap

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy everyone at the table.

These zesty lemon pepper chicken tenders deliver mouthwatering crunch with every bite.

Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, the tender strips promise a delightful culinary experience.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

The crispy coating locks in juicy chicken while bold lemon pepper seasoning adds irresistible tang.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 4

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders: Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, tender cuts that provide a lean protein foundation with a delicate texture perfect for absorbing seasonings.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that awaken the natural taste of chicken and create a robust taste profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic powders that infuse deep, savory undertones and complement the chicken's mild flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the chicken, creating visual and taste complexity.

• Lemon Zest: Vibrant citrus shavings that introduce a fresh, zesty brightness and elevate the overall flavor complexity of the dish.

Cooking Tools for Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Large mixing bowl: perfect for combining seasonings and coating chicken.
• Paper towels: essential for drying chicken and removing excess moisture.
• Measuring spoons: helps accurately measure spices for balanced flavor.
• Cutting board: provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: useful for zesting lemon and trimming chicken tenders if needed.
• Baking sheet or large plate: holds seasoned chicken before cooking.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

• Prepare Chicken Prep crisp and fresh chicken tenders by gently dabbing away any moisture using clean paper towels, ensuring a perfect seasoning surface.
• Create Flavor Explosion Sprinkle a magical blend of zesty seasonings across the chicken, combining salt, ground pepper, aromatic garlic powder, sweet onion powder, rich paprika, and bright lemon zest to awaken your taste buds.
• Set Up Cooking Station Preheat your skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat, creating the perfect sizzling environment for transforming these tender morsels into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Sear and Cook Carefully place seasoned chicken tenders onto the hot surface, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust and lock in those incredible flavors. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rest and Serve Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness. Plate your delicious creation and enjoy the burst of lemony, peppery goodness in every bite.

Flavor Variations & Coating Tricks

• Crispiness Perfection: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Zesty Lemon Boost: Grate fresh lemon zest right before mixing with spices to release the most vibrant and bright citrus notes.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining a delicious crunchy coating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare seasoned chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust black pepper quantity to create mild or bold flavor profiles – less pepper for kids, more for spice lovers who enjoy a zingier kick.

Serving Tips for Chicken Tenders

• Zesty Plate Pairing: Serve these tangy chicken tenders over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a bright, complementary flavor profile.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a crisp cucumber and dill salad to balance the lemony pepper seasoning and add a cool, refreshing crunch.
• Dip Delight: Create a creamy Greek yogurt and herb dipping sauce with chopped chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the chicken's vibrant seasonings.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange tenders on a large platter with wedges of lemon and scattered fresh parsley, perfect for casual gatherings and easy sharing.

Save and Reheat Lemon Chicken the Right Way

• Quick Chill Method: Store cooked chicken tenders in airtight containers within 2 hours of preparation to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Sealed containers keep chicken tenders delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and safety for quick leftovers or meal prep.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for up to 3 months, perfect for future easy meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior without drying out the meat.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon pepper chicken tenders elevate weeknight dinners with bold Mediterranean flavors. Crispy exterior and juicy meat make these tender strips a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 3 tbsps olive oil (or butter)
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Prep Tenders: Pat chicken tenders completely dry using clean paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, guaranteeing a perfectly crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Craft Seasoning Blend: Whisk together granulated salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and bright lemon zest to create an explosive flavor profile.
3. Season and Marinate: Thoroughly massage the aromatic spice mixture into each chicken tender, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the seasonings to infuse deeply for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Cook with Precision: Select your preferred cooking technique – whether sizzling on a hot grill, roasting in a preheated oven at 425°F, or achieving a golden sear in a cast-iron skillet – cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a tantalizing golden-brown crust.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked tenders rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute, then plate and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional cracked pepper for an extra flavor burst.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to guarantee a golden, crispy exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Seasoning Technique: Gently press spice blend into chicken surface to maximize flavor penetration and ensure even coating across entire tender.
• Resting Ritual: Allow seasoned chicken to sit briefly before cooking, enabling spices to deeply infuse into meat and enhance overall taste profile.
• Cooking Flexibility: Adapt recipe to different dietary needs by using alternative seasoning blends or cooking methods like air frying for healthier options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg