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Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-Fried, Baked, or Air-Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with bright, zesty lemon flavor. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for a quick dinner, game day snack, or meal prep. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 1/2 lbs (680g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for extra brightness!)

For the Breading:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten with 1 tbsp water)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds amazing flavor!)
  • 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning

For Cooking:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil or butter (for pan-frying, or use cooking spray for baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and lemon zest.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

  1. Set up three shallow bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Flour
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
    • Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, and lemon pepper seasoning
  2. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with Panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pan-Fry Method:

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
  3. Remove and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Oven-Baked Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place tenders in a single layer and spray with cooking spray.
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with extra lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce).

Serving Suggestions

  • With Fries: Classic combo with French fries or sweet potato fries.
  • With a Salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar or garden salad.
  • As a Wrap: Add to a flour tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch.

Notes

  • Want it extra crispy? Double-dip in the egg and Panko mixture.
  • No Panko? Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
  • Gluten-Free? Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Spicy Version? Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the eggs.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-tenders.htm