Description

These crispy, golden chicken tenders are bursting with zesty lemon and bold pepper flavors. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or quick snacks—easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Coat the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken. For extra crispiness, lightly coat with breadcrumbs.
Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat. Grill chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Serve: Enjoy with dipping sauces like ranch, lemon aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Notes

Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes max. Longer marination can break down the texture and make the chicken mushy due to the acidity from the lemon juice.

Cooking Temperature Matters: Whether grilling, baking, or frying, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to stay juicy and safe to eat.

Extra Crispiness Tip: For an ultra-crispy texture, lightly coat the tenders with breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of cornstarch before cooking.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min