Print

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe features juicy, tender chicken marinated in a tangy buttermilk and lemon mixture, then coated in a crispy, flavorful breading and fried to golden perfection. It’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, bursting with fresh lemon zest and a peppery kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Others:

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Add the chicken tenders, toss to coat thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and additional ½ teaspoon black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy and flavorful crust.
  3. Coat and Fry: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade one by one and dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
  4. Serve: Remove the fried chicken tenders and drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an extra zingy finish.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for optimum crispiness.
  • Drain the fried tenders well to avoid sogginess.
  • For a healthier version, bake the tenders at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Adjust black pepper amounts to taste based on your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Recipe, Buttermilk Marinated Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-tenders-recipe/