Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a crispy, tangy, and utterly irresistible treat that will elevate your chicken game. Imagine tender chicken tenderloins marinated in buttermilk and a vibrant blend of lemon pepper seasoning, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. The finishing touch? A luscious honey butter sauce infused with even more lemon pepper goodness. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner, a fun game-day snack, or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken, while the seasoned flour coating delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of lemon pepper flavor.
• Tangy and Sweet: The honey butter sauce, with its perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet honey, complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders:

For the chicken tenders:

• Chicken tenderloins: The base of the dish, providing a tender and versatile protein source.
• Whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor, creating a moist and flavorful base.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: Provides a bright, citrusy, and peppery flavor, essential for the signature taste of this dish.
• Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall citrus profile.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic flavor, balancing the richness of the buttermilk and honey butter sauce.
• Hot sauce: Adds a subtle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the lemon pepper.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savory, pungent flavor, complementing the lemon pepper and enhancing the depth of the marinade and flour dredge.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
• All-purpose flour (gluten-free option available): Coats the chicken, creating a crispy exterior and absorbing excess moisture.
• Peanut or vegetable oil: Used for frying, providing a neutral base that allows the flavors of the chicken to shine.

For the honey butter sauce:

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
• Pure honey: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the lemon pepper and creating a luscious sauce.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: Reinforces the lemon pepper flavor, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious taste.
• Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall citrus profile.
• Minced garlic: Adds a savory, pungent flavor, complementing the lemon pepper and enhancing the depth of the sauce.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and place in a resealable bag or container. Combine buttermilk, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Massage to coat and marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a shallow plate, combine lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and flour. Whisk to combine.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350-370°F.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Let rest on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure the oil returns to temperature between batches. Place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Bring to a slight boil, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Toss the fried chicken tenders in the honey butter sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight ensures the most tender and flavorful results.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even cooking and crispy chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and ensure crispy tenders.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Season the flour dredge and honey butter sauce to your preference.

How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve as a main course with your favorite sides, such as fries, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
• Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
• Snack: Enjoy as a satisfying snack any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but cut them into strips.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can use other sauces like buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce.

Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper to the flour dredge or hot sauce to the honey butter sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy chicken and tangy honey butter sauce create a truly unforgettable meal. Give it a try, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time!

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