Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken coated in a zesty lemon pepper crust, finished with a buttery lemon sauce, makes for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon (juice of)
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add a single layer of the coated chicken tenders. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove cooked chicken and keep warm. Repeat with remaining tenders, adding more oil as needed.
- Step 3: Lower the pan heat to low and add the lemon juice and butter to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Return the chicken tenders to the pan and toss gently to coat with the lemon butter sauce.
- Step 4: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before cooking to help the flour mixture adhere better.
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a higher smoke point and mild flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix for a spicy twist.
- Serve over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve moisture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent dryness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used but slice them into strips to match tenderloin size for even cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The recipe as is uses all purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful lemon pepper flour mix, pan-fried to perfection, and finished with a delicious lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner packed with bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon (juice of)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the all purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place a single layer of coated chicken tenders in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders, adding more oil as necessary.
- Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add the fresh lemon juice and butter to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Once the butter melts and combines with the lemon juice, return all the cooked chicken tenders to the pan and toss them well to coat with the lemon butter sauce thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the lemon pepper chicken tenders to a serving plate, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can adjust the lemon pepper seasoning amount based on your taste preference.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- For a zestier flavor, add lemon zest along with the juice in the sauce stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken tenders, lemon pepper chicken, pan-fried chicken, quick chicken recipe, lemon butter chicken
