Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Name: Easy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breast boneless (skinless); 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon hot sauce Frank’s Red Hot preferred; 2 large eggs beaten; 2 cups flour; 1 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning divided; 2 teaspoons paprika divided; 2 teaspoons garlic powder divided; ½ teaspoon baking powder; vegetable oil for frying; Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon minced garlic

KrystelMay 30, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders: a Must-try Recipe

Introduction to Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Hey there! I'm beyond excited to share with you a recipe that has truly been a game-changer in my kitchen – the zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. Now, this isn't just any chicken recipe. It's a delightful mix of tangy lemon, spicy black pepper, and the sweet caress of honey, creating a flavor profile so mouth-watering, you'll wonder how you ever did without it. What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity, effortlessly fitting into your weeknight dinner rotation or spicing up a special occasion. And let's not forget, with ingredients like fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and that undeniable zip of Frank's Red Hot sauce, every bite promises a burst of flavor that's hard to resist.

Key Takeaways:

Unique Flavor Profile: Combines lemon zestiness with honey's sweetness balanced by black pepper's spice.
Easy to Make: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Quality Ingredients: Highlights the importance of using fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Oh, the joy of gathering ingredients for these Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders! This is where the magic starts. You'll want to ensure you have chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins—whichever you prefer—for that juicy bite. Get your hands on some fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for that zingy flavor that just dances on your palate.

Lemon pepper seasoning is non-negotiable, giving our tenders that signature kick. Now, for the heat lovers, Frank’s Red Hot sauce is my go-to, but feel free to dab into whatever hot sauce tickles your fancy. Let’s not forget the purpose flour for that golden crust we're after. And for our dazzling sauce, honey sweetens the deal while butter ensures it's silky smooth. Now, if your tastebuds crave an extra punch, throw in some red pepper flakes. Remember, it’s all about making this recipe your own, so don’t shy away from tweaking these ingredients to your liking!

Preparing the Chicken

Oh, I just love diving into the kitchen to whip up something truly magical and today, it's all about those Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders that you've all been asking about on TikTok. Let's talk chicken, shall we? I start with high-quality chicken breasts - those plump, juicy ones you see at grocery stores that just scream "pick me!" Cutting them into tenders isn’t just slicing away; it’s about creating even pieces that will cook uniformly, giving us that perfect golden brown tenderness every time. It’s a step where patience meets purpose.

Next up is the marination. I whisk together milk (but hey, if you're out, a mix of lemon juice and water works wonders as a homemade buttermilk alternative), a dash of Frank’s Red Hot for that spicy kick, and a generous helping of lemon pepper seasoning. Oh, the magic - it turns plain chicken into these lemony, zesty, pepper-flecked wonders after a good soaking. Sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous, I throw in a bit of red pepper flakes or swap out the hot sauce with something a tad more fiery.

Every piece gets its time to swim in this mixture - ideally, I give it a few hours. This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about tenderness, about each tender soaking up all that goodness, making every bite juicier and more flavorful than the last. Trust me; it’s worth the wait.

Breading Your Chicken Tenders

Setting up your dredging station is like laying out the canvas for our zesty honey lemon pepper chicken tenders masterpiece. We'll need two bowls: one for the all-purpose flour mixed with our aromatic ensemble of spices - lemon pepper seasoning, a dash of garlic powder, and just the right amount of paprika for that golden hue. The other bowl will hold your beaten eggs, ready to cling onto our chicken tenderloins and ensuring that spiced flour mixture sticks beautifully. The key here is to coat each tender thoroughly in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and back in the flour. This double dip is our secret to that coveted crispy texture.

Now, here's a neat trick to keep the mess at bay - keep one hand strictly for the wet ingredients and the other for dry. This way, you’ll glide through breading without turning into a flour-coated sculpture yourself. It’s all about that right touch!

The Frying Process

There’s something almost magical about the moment you start heating the oil in a large skillet, watching it shimmer and ready itself for those seasoned chicken tenders. You want that oil hot, but not too hot – aiming for that sweet spot of medium-high heat to get your chicken tenders to that perfect golden brown without burning. I always use a thermometer to check the temperature, ensuring it's around 350 degrees. It's the best way to avoid any guesswork and ensure that each tender comes out just right.

Frying in small batches is my go-to method to ensure each piece has enough room to cook evenly. Crowding them in the pan? Nope, that’s a no-go for me. It cools the oil too fast and you end up with greasy, soggy tenders. And trust me, keeping that oil at a constant temperature will reward you with that crispy exterior we all crave. Safety wise, keep a lid nearby and never, ever pour water to try and extinguish a grease fire. Better safe than sorry!

Crafting the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Let me take you through a favorite part of making these Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders: crafting the honey lemon pepper sauce. It's a cinch! First, I grab a small saucepan and set it on medium heat. Into the pan goes a good dollop of butter. As the butter melts into a golden liquid, I pour in the honey, watching it swirl and blend with the butter. It's quite mesmerizing, honestly. Then, with a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning, the magic really begins.

Stirring gently, I make sure everything mingles together beautifully, transforming into this smooth, glossy sauce that promises to drape each tender with just the right balance of zesty and sweet. Now, if you're anything like me and sometimes crave that extra kick or perhaps a touch more sweetness, here's where you can play. Add more lemon pepper seasoning for spice, or a bit more honey if you like it on the sweeter side. It’s all up to you; that’s the beauty of cooking at home, after all.

Assembling the Dish

Let me walk you through how I bring the zesty honey lemon pepper chicken tenders to life in the final, most satisfying stage—coating them in that dreamy sauce. After pulling these golden beauties from the hot oil, I transfer them into a large bowl. Now, the magic happens. I pour the honey lemon pepper sauce meticulously over the tenders, ensuring every inch is glazed in that sweet, tangy goodness. It's important to me that each tender is evenly coated, so every bite is as delightful as the last.

When it's time to serve, I'm all about giving options. Sometimes, I lay the tenders out on a beautiful platter and drizzle the sauce right on top—a feast for the eyes! Other times, I prefer the sauce on the side, letting everyone dive in and dip at their own pace. And because I love a dash of flair, I often garnish with fresh herbs or thin slices of lemon, adding a pop of color and a hint of fresh zestiness. It’s these little touches that elevate the dish, making it not just a meal, but a memorable experience.

Serving Suggestions

Now, let's talk about dressing up these zesty honey lemon pepper chicken tenders with the perfect companions. Imagine sitting down to a vibrant plate where every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. For sides, think beyond the usual; a crisp, green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, or a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, can elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. How about fluffy rice or a creamy potato dish to soak up that delightful sauce? These tenders are not just food; they're a ticket to creating memorable meals, be it a cozy family dinner or the star attraction at your next gathering. And let's not forget the power of dips — a creamy ranch or a spicy aioli can add an exciting twist. So, go ahead, mix and match, and make every bite of these tender delights a new adventure.

Storage and Reheating Tips

After you've indulged in the delight of making these Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders, chances are you'll have a few tender pieces beckoning for later enjoyment. First things first, tuck any leftovers safely in an airtight container, and they'll keep their charm in the fridge for up to four days. Now, when it comes to bringing back that just-cooked sizzle and crunch, the oven and air fryer are your best pals. A gentle reheating in the oven on a baking sheet, set to a moderate temperature, ensures they warm through evenly without losing their golden allure. For those of you with an air fryer, it works wonders to revive that enviable crispiness, setting it to a medium-high heat for just a few minutes. However, steer clear of the microwave for this task—unless soggy chicken is your thing, but I’m guessing it’s not!

Explore New Flavors and Variations

Let's not stop at just following the recipe to the letter. Cooking is about exploring, trying new things, making them your own. Why not take the leap and experiment with different cuts of chicken? Perhaps, chicken tenderloins or even chicken nuggets for a fun twist. And spices? Oh, the possibilities are endless. Imagine the kick from a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or the depth of flavor a dash of black pepper could add. But what truly excites me is thinking about making a batch of these honey lemon pepper chicken tenders in an air fryer. Yes, you heard it right. A healthier option without compromising on the crunch and flavor.

Adjusting the levels of lemon, honey, and heat to get it just right for your palate is the key. Remember, this isn’t just about following steps; it’s about making each dish uniquely yours. So, embrace the creativity that comes with cooking. Discover new ways, find your favorite recipes, and always – always – make it with love. That's the best way, after all.

So, we've journeyed together through the delightful world of making Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders, a dish that promises a burst of flavors that are sure to make your taste buds sing with joy. I'm all about keeping things straightforward in the kitchen, and this recipe, with its tang of lemon juice, the sweetness of honey, and that kick of black pepper, really does the trick. It's been a labor of love, preparing these chicken tenderloins into something that's not just a weeknight dinner, but a potential star at your next gathering.

In Conclusion

From the meticulous marination process - thank you, buttermilk and Frank’s Red Hot sauce, through the breading with just the right amount of lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder, to frying them to that perfect golden brown, we've covered it all. And let's not forget our little saucepan adventure, crafting the honey lemon pepper sauce on medium heat to coat these crispy wonders. Whether you're using an air fryer for a healthier twist or sticking to the traditional large skillet method, these tenders are a testament to homemade goodness.

I'd love for you to take this recipe, give it a whirl in your own kitchen, and feel free to get creative. Maybe add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or serve it alongside your favorite sides. And once you've had a taste, I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment, share your tweaks, or even rate the recipe. Your feedback is not just welcomed – it's invaluable for us all finding new ways to enjoy our favorite dishes. Let's keep the conversation going and continue perfecting these Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders together.

Looking for other great pasta baked recipes? Check out my Cheesy Baked Rigatoni!