Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs chicken tenders; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1½ teaspoons cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe brings restaurant-level flavor to your own kitchen, combining juicy, tender strips of chicken with a zingy lemon kick and a bold hit of cracked black pepper. Each bite is infused with freshness thanks to a quick marinade and lots of citrus, making this an easy weeknight dinner or party dish everyone will rave about. Whether you love them straight from the oven, sizzling hot from a skillet, or tossed into your favorite wrap, these chicken tenders guarantee a burst of brightness that just begs for a repeat performance.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about simple, high-quality ingredients working in harmony. Every item on this list brings something special, from tenderness to tang, ensuring a dish that’s both straightforward and unforgettable.

Chicken tenders (1½ lbs): These naturally tender cuts soak up all the flavors and cook quickly for juicy, moist results every time.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps keep the chicken moist while adding a subtle, savory richness and encouraging golden browning.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs in fresh, aromatic citrus flavor that wakes up your tastebuds (don’t skip this—zest is key!).
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and brightness, making the flavors pop and the chicken extra juicy.
Cracked black pepper (1½ teaspoons): Delivers that bold, peppery finish that’s truly the signature of this recipe.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with earthy, savory depth—so much flavor in just a teaspoon.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, mellow backbone to balance the zesty lemon and bold pepper.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for highlighting every other flavor—don’t underestimate its power!
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth and a hint of color, making each piece extra inviting.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): A pop of green that adds fresh aroma and a lovely finish.
Lemon wedges (for serving): For anyone who wants an extra squeeze of citrusy brightness right at the table.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Toss the chicken tenders in this vibrant marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let everything sit for 15 to 30 minutes; this short marinade helps the chicken absorb all that lively lemon and pepper goodness, making a huge difference in flavor.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Now it’s time for the big decision: oven or skillet! Preheat your oven to 400°F if you’re baking, or heat a large skillet over medium heat for pan-searing. Both methods work beautifully, so just pick whatever suits your mood (or your weeknight schedule).

Step 3: Cook the Tenders

If you’re baking, arrange the chicken tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet so they have plenty of space. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. For stovetop cooking, add a bit of oil to your hot skillet, then sear the tenders for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. Whichever route you choose, keep an eye on them—they’ll go from perfect to overcooked quickly due to their size.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your chicken tenders are beautifully golden and fully cooked, transfer them to a platter. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top and add lemon wedges on the side. That last squeeze of citrus right at the table takes the Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe over the top.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for color and a burst of garden flavor. Don’t forget generous lemon wedges—encouraging guests to squeeze their own adds flair and extra zesty brightness that pairs perfectly with the tenders’ savory edge.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders are the stars of any plate but really shine with easy sides! Serve alongside herbed rice or warm, fluffy quinoa to soak up all those pan juices, or pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a lighter meal. They’re also right at home with roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or even inside a fresh pita for a satisfying wrap.

Creative Ways to Present

The possibilities for presenting your Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe are endless! Pile them high on a platter for game night, tuck them into wraps with mixed greens and a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or slice them and add to a big, zesty salad. You can even chop them up as a protein boost inside your favorite grain bowls for meal-prep lunches all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This way, you can reheat as many or as few as you like whenever that lemon-pepper craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, bake tenders in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch but may slightly soften the texture. Always finish with an extra squeeze of lemon to revive that trademark zing!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into thick strips, aiming for even sizes to ensure even cooking; everything else in the Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe stays the same.

Is there a way to make these extra crispy?

For crunch lovers, coat the marinated chicken tenders with panko breadcrumbs just before baking or pan-searing. A light spritz of olive oil will help achieve that golden, crispy crust without deep frying.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Freshly squeezed lemon is always best for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe, providing unmatched brightness and a bit of natural sweetness. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as lively.

What’s the best way to keep chicken tenders juicy?

Don’t overcook! Keep a close eye on doneness, and consider letting the tenders rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to help retain juices. The marinade also helps keep the chicken extra moist inside and out.

Is this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free—as long as you don’t add any breading. If you choose to coat them with panko for crispiness, be sure to use a gluten-free version if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, fun, and boldly flavorful dish, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe is going to become a new staple in your kitchen. It delivers big on taste without any fuss, so gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and enjoy every tangy, peppery bite!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon flavor combined with the peppery kick makes these tenders a flavorful and healthy option. Whether baked in the oven or pan-seared, they come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

1½ lbs chicken tenders
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven or Skillet: Preheat oven to 400°F or heat a large skillet over medium heat if cooking stovetop.
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: If baking, place tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If pan-searing, cook in a lightly oiled skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.