Crispy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful, these Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of tangy citrus and bold black pepper, delivering a mouthwatering bite every time. Marinated in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder, the chicken tenders are infused with bright, savory flavors before being coated in a golden crust of Parmesan-infused breadcrumbs. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these tenders are pan-fried to crispy perfection in minutes, making them a quick and satisfying dinner or snack for the whole family. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a crisp side salad for a truly delightful meal bursting with vibrant flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or game-day spreads, this easy recipe is sure to become your go-to for crave-worthy chicken tenders.
Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.
Calories |
3280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.9 g | 259% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.2 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 603 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 6954 mg | 302% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 248.5 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 133.7 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 262 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 17.1 mg | 95% | |
| Potassium | 1508 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.