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Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

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Short Description

These Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and tangy honey-lemon glaze with a kick of black pepper. Perfect for a quick dinner, game-day snack, or meal prep, they offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy & Flavorful: Golden-brown chicken tenders with a deliciously sticky glaze.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The sweet honey, zesty lemon, and bold black pepper create an irresistible taste.
  • Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or even in wraps and salads.
  • Kid-Friendly: A great homemade alternative to fast-food chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken tenders
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • Eggs
  • Panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
  • Butter
  • Honey
  • Lemon juice & zest
  • Lemon pepper seasoning

Directions

  1. Season the chicken tenders with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Prepare the coating: In separate bowls, place flour (with cornstarch mixed in), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs (if using).
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko or another layer of flour.
  4. Cook the chicken:
    • Frying: Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
    • Baking: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Air Frying: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  5. Make the honey lemon glaze: In a pan, melt butter and whisk in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Coat the tenders: Toss the cooked chicken in the glaze until fully coated.
  7. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Spicy: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Grilled Version: Skip the breading and grill the seasoned tenders, then toss in the glaze.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or a little extra olive oil in the glaze.
  • Asian Twist: Add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the honey glaze.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders without glaze for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.

FAQs

Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Just slice chicken breasts into strips for the same result.

How do I keep the tenders crispy?

Use cornstarch in the flour mix and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.

Can I make these without frying?

Yes! Bake or air-fry them for a healthier alternative.

What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or extra honey lemon glaze work great.

Can I prep these in advance?

Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for frying.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I make them less sweet?

Reduce the honey or balance it with a bit more lemon juice.

What can I serve with these tenders?

Try fries, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a side salad.

Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?

Absolutely! Just increase the butter, honey, and lemon juice accordingly.

Conclusion

Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful dish with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and peppery goodness. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

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Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Juicy chicken tenders are seasoned with lemon pepper, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious honey lemon butter sauce. This delightful combination offers a balance of sweetness and zesty citrus, making it an irresistible dish for all ages.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.

  2. Prepare the Breading:

    • In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.

  3. Bread the Chicken:

    • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tenderloin in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded tenders on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to set the coating.

  4. Fry the Chicken:

    • In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
    • Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
    • Once done, transfer the fried tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  5. Prepare the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Stir in the honey, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, then remove from heat.

  6. Coat the Chicken:

    • Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat evenly.

  7. Serve:

    • Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon zest or freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade.
  • To make this recipe in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, spray lightly with cooking oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

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