Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are crispy, zesty, and packed with flavor! Coated in a golden, crunchy breading with a tangy lemon pepper seasoning, they’re perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or game-day snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & flavorful – Perfectly seasoned with lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic.
• Easy & quick – Ready in just 30 minutes!
• Oven-baked, air-fried, or pan-fried – Choose your cooking method.
• Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing – A great alternative to fast food!
• Pairs well with any dip – Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts, sliced)
• Eggs (for dredging)
• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for flavor)
• Salt & black pepper
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Olive oil or butter (for pan-frying or baking)

For Serving:

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or garlic aioli)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) (if baking).
2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs.

Step 2: Make the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, Panko, Parmesan, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Oven-Baked Method:

1. Place tenders on a greased baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place tenders in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pan-Fried Method:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tenders.
2. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or extra black pepper.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and Panko.
• Extra Crispy – Double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free – Omit Parmesan and use dairy-free butter.
• Herb-Infused – Add thyme or parsley to the breading.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze raw breaded tenders for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Just slice into strips for even cooking.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

Try ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli.

How do I get the crispiest tenders?

• Use Panko breadcrumbs.
• Bake on a wire rack for airflow.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer.

Can I marinate the chicken before breading?

Yes! Soak in buttermilk or lemon juice for extra tenderness.

How do I keep breading from falling off?

Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken, and let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bread the tenders, then refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.

What sides go well with lemon pepper chicken tenders?

Try fries, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or mac and cheese.

Can I make these tenders without eggs?

Yes! Use buttermilk or a flax egg as a substitute.

How do I make them extra lemony?

Add lemon zest to the breading and squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving.

Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?

Yes! Substitute 1-2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning for the lemon zest and black pepper.

Conclusion

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are crispy, tangy, and absolutely delicious. Whether baked, air-fried, or pan-fried, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a better-than-takeout meal at home!

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