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)
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.
Notes
- These tenders are great served with rice, salad, or inside wraps.
- For extra crispiness, coat tenders lightly with panko before baking or pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
