The Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe for Zesty Flavor

Crispy golden chicken tenders with zesty lemon pepper seasoning might just become your next dinner obsession.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine in unexpected ways.

Bright citrus notes dance across perfectly seasoned meat, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this sophisticated yet uncomplicated.

A quick marinade unlocks incredible taste potential in these tender strips.

Homemade beats takeout every single time, especially when you can whip up something this delicious in minutes.

Why Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Are a Favorite

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with zesty lemon pepper seasoning and a sweet honey butter sauce, these chicken tenders deliver an explosion of tangy, rich tastes that will make your taste buds dance.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders with confidence.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer tossing the tenders in the honey butter sauce or serving it as a dipping sauce, this recipe offers flexible serving styles to suit everyone's preference at the dinner table.
• Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit with children and adults alike, making them perfect for family meals, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender strips of white meat with mild flavor.

• Buttermilk, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Tangy liquid ingredients for tenderizing and adding bright citrus notes.
• Hot Sauce: Spicy liquid for extra kick.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic ground spices for depth of flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic white flour for creating crispy exterior.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Zesty spice blend for signature flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying chicken.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy base for honey butter sauce.
• Honey: Sweet golden liquid for sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh, pungent ingredient for sauce depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for visual appeal and freshness.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Grab your chicken tenderloins and pat them completely dry using clean paper towels.

Transfer the tenders to a large resealable plastic bag or container.

• Buttermilk
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Hot sauce
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Massage all marinade ingredients into the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Seal the container and refrigerate for 3-8 hours to develop deep flavors.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

Mix flour with additional spices in a shallow dish.

Whisk together thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.

• All-purpose flour
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator.

Drain excess buttermilk from each tender.

Roll each piece in seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.

Shake off extra flour and place on a clean baking sheet.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350-370°F.

Carefully lower chicken tenders into hot oil in small batches.

Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful golden brown color.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Craft Honey Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.

• Unsalted butter
• Honey
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic

Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch

Choose your serving style:

Option 1: Toss chicken directly in honey butter sauce

Option 2: Serve sauce on the side for dipping

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange hot chicken tenders on a serving platter.

Sprinkle with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with sides like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Crispy Lemon Pepper Tenders

• Let chicken sit in buttermilk mixture overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring every bite is packed with zesty, tangy goodness.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent 350-370°F heat, preventing soggy or burnt chicken tenders and achieving perfect golden-crispy exterior.
• Place fried chicken on wire rack or paper towels to remove extra oil, keeping tenders crisp and preventing greasy texture.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity in marinade to make chicken milder or spicier according to personal preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Enjoy tenders right after cooking to maintain maximum crispiness and temperature, ensuring the best possible taste and texture experience.

How to Keep Chicken Tenders Tasty

• Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, place chicken tenders on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring their original crunch.
• Reheat tenders on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but note this method might soften the crispy coating slightly.
• Keep honey butter sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, gently reheating before serving with rewarmed chicken tenders.

Best Pairings for Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Mix vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey, and sparkling water for a bright drink that complements the lemon pepper chicken's tangy profile.
• Serve Alongside Cooling Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing side with diced cucumbers, red onions, dill, and a light vinaigrette to balance the crispy, rich chicken tenders.
• Match with Crispy Roasted Potato Wedges: Season potato wedges with similar lemon pepper spices and roast until golden brown, providing a crunchy companion that echoes the chicken's texture.
• Complement with Creamy Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, mayo, and a hint of honey to cut through the chicken's richness and add a fresh, crunchy element.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for dredging, ensuring crispy texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap flour coating with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain a crunchy exterior.
• Baked Alternative: Instead of frying, place coated chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter in the honey sauce for allergen-friendly preparation.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful. Its tangy taste also adds depth to the chicken’s overall flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• How can I tell if the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

• What makes the lemon pepper seasoning special?

Lemon pepper seasoning combines dried lemon zest and cracked black pepper, creating a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste without overwhelming it.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders bring zesty Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinner tables. Juicy chicken strips coated in tangy pepper and citrus seasoning deliver a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole buttermilk
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) pure honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken tenderloins using clean kitchen towels to ensure optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Transfer chicken to a large sealable container and create a tangy marinade by combining buttermilk, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Massage marinade into chicken pieces, guaranteeing complete coverage, then refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
4. Prepare seasoned flour coating by whisking flour with remaining lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish.
5. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and drain excess liquid, allowing minimal buttermilk to remain.
6. Individually coat each tender in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage and gently shaking off surplus flour.
7. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-370°F, monitoring temperature with a deep-fry thermometer.
8. Carefully lower chicken tenders into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain consistent temperature.
9. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack for excess oil drainage, maintaining crispiness.
11. Craft honey butter sauce by melting butter and incorporating honey, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
12. Simmer sauce briefly to meld flavors, then either toss chicken directly in sauce or serve as a complementary dipping accompaniment.
13. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh parsley, and pair with preferred side dishes for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Use a thermometer to ensure oil temperature stays consistent, preventing soggy or burnt chicken.
• Blot chicken dry before marinating to help seasoning adhere better and create crispier coating.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce or adding cayenne pepper for spice lovers.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 120mg