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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

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Crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders with a zesty, peppery kick and a juicy interior, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh chicken tenders, trimmed
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • About 1 cup vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • Freshly squeezed juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup buttermilk with half the lemon zest (about 1/2 lemon), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add chicken tenders, coat thoroughly, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, remaining lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pour about 1 cup vegetable oil into a skillet or cast iron pan and heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each tender in the seasoned flour mixture. For extra crispiness, dip floured tenders back into buttermilk quickly and dredge again in flour (double-dredge).
  5. Carefully place tenders into hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Adjust heat as needed.
  6. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over tenders before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect crispiness. Drain tenders on a wire rack to keep crust crunchy. Double-dredging enhances crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and use coconut or almond milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk. Oven-bake or air-fry for healthier alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, fried chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, zesty chicken

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-zesty-flavor-meal/