Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. This easy recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken tenders bursting with zesty lemon and peppery goodness. It’s a family favorite, perfect for meal prepping, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano. This creates a flavorful and easy-to-use dredging mixture.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice, crispy crust.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken tenders to the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more lemon zest for extra zing or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: These chicken tenders can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Variations:
- Spicy Lemon Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Lemon Pepper: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for extra flavor and cheesiness.
- Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of this homemade cooking masterpiece! It’s sure to become one of your best recipes.