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
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and lemon zest.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, and lemon pepper seasoning
- 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:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tenders in a single layer and spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- 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.