If you love bright, zesty flavors and crave a dish that’s just as effortless as it is mouthwatering, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe will quickly become your shining weeknight hero. Perfectly juicy chicken tenders are coated in a lively marinade of lemon, black pepper, and aromatic seasonings, then pan-seared until golden with a buttery finish. Every bite packs a punch of fresh citrus and peppery heat, making these tenders irresistible for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a hearty protein to pile onto salads and pastas. There’s a reason I return to this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe again and again—it’s always guaranteed to brighten the table and bring extra smiles to the meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe has a purpose: the chicken tenderloins stay incredibly moist, lemon brings freshness, and the simple seasonings highlight all those flavors. Here’s everything you need (and why it matters).
- Chicken tenders: These are naturally tender and cook up super juicy in just minutes, making them perfect for quick meals.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps the flavors cling to every bit of the chicken.
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens the dish with intense citrus flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Lemon zest: Packs extra lemony aroma into the marinade for an even zingier bite.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: The star ingredient—balances tang and peppery heat for robust flavor.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory depth without overwhelming the lemon.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper: Lends another layer of warmth and sparkle to the final dish.
- Unsalted butter: Gives a final touch of richness and helps brown the tenders to perfection.
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional): These add color and a pop of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Make the Zesty Marinade
Start by mixing up your flavor base. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t skip the zest—it’s like a lemony perfume that makes all the difference! Whisk everything together until you’ve got a bold, fragrant marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Tenders
Add the chicken tenders directly to the bowl with your marinade and toss them well so every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Try to marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you plan ahead, 2-4 hours transforms the flavor! This little rest lets the citrus and seasonings really shine through every bite.
Step 3: Sear the Tenders for Golden Goodness
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. As it melts and starts to sizzle, lay the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary so you don’t overcrowd the pan). Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for gorgeously golden outsides and juicy, perfectly cooked centers—165°F is your target internal temperature!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once all your chicken tenders are cooked, arrange them on a serving plate and spoon over any buttery juices from the pan. Finish them off with a shower of chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra tangy squeeze at the table. That’s it—your Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh chopped parsley and a couple of lemon wedges make this classic Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe truly shine. The parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness, while lemon wedges invite everyone to add their own citrusy bite, taking the flavors even higher.
Side Dishes
These zesty chicken tenders are delicious with practically anything! I love them served over fluffy white rice, herbed quinoa, or piled onto a vibrant green salad. Pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan makes a hearty pairing, and even simple roasted vegetables snuggle up beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Arrange the tenders on a big platter for sharing at parties with toothpicks, or tuck them into wraps and sandwiches for a lunchbox upgrade. Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they top grain bowls or Caesar salads with a tangy, lively twist—you’ll quickly find this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe fits just about everywhere you want a pop of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe store beautifully for a couple of days—just place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or lunches later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight freezer container. They can be stored this way for up to two months without losing any of their zip or tenderness.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them moist. For a quick reheat, a minute or two in the microwave works too—just cover them to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just arrange the marinated tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a slightly crispier finish and a bit less butter, but the flavors remain just as bold and lemony.
Is this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! If you want to create a crispier crust by dredging in flour, just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the same effect.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—when the thickest part of a tender reaches 165°F, they’re done. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Definitely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders and follow the recipe exactly. Adjust the cooking time as needed to make sure the pieces stay nice and juicy.
How can I add even more lemon flavor?
For a super citrusy punch, serve this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe with extra lemon wedges and squeeze some over just before eating. You can also stir a touch more zest or an extra splash of lemon juice into the marinade.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe becomes a new favorite at your table the same way it has at mine. It’s bright, easy, and endlessly versatile—give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it turns any meal into something special!
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful meal option for busy weeknights. Tender chicken marinated in a zesty lemon pepper mixture, pan-seared to golden perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve over rice or salad for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken tenders, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, and cook chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot over rice or salad.
Notes
- Great served with rice, salad, or pasta.
- For a crispier texture, lightly dredge tenders in flour before pan-frying.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for an alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
