Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are crispy, savory, and bursting with zesty flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to please the whole family, making it a must-try recipe tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 Lemon juice of
- Parsley
Instructions
- Start by combining the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt in a shallow dish. This mixture will create a flavorful coating for the chicken. Make sure it’s well combined, so every tenderloin gets a good amount of seasoning.
- Next, take your chicken tenderloins and toss them into the flour mixture. Ensure they are thoroughly coated, shaking off any excess flour. This step is crucial for that perfect crispy texture when cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot enough that it shimmers. This ensures that the chicken will sear nicely and form a golden crust.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add a single layer of the coated chicken tenders to the pan. Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes without turning. This helps to create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- After 3 to 5 minutes, flip each tenderloin over and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they're golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165˚F. Remove the cooked tenders from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- If you have more chicken tenderloins to cook, you may need to add a bit more olive oil to the pan before repeating the process.
- Now, lower the heat of the pan to low. Add the juice of a fresh lemon and the butter to the pan. This will deglaze the skillet and bring up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken, enriching the sauce.
- Once the butter has melted and everything is well combined, return the cooked chicken tenders to the pan. Toss them in the lemon butter sauce to coat every piece thoroughly.
- Finally, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This simple step adds a lovely color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet for the best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Make it spicy: For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture.
- Using other proteins: This recipe can be adapted for other proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for those looking for alternatives.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or dill to change up the flavor profile.
- Meal prep: Cook a double batch for easy meal prep throughout the week. These tenders are great cold in salads!