Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with zesty citrus and bold pepper flavors, easy to make, impossible to resist! A perfect weeknight dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 teaspoons salt divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken strips to buttermilk mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in one dish.
- Combine panko, lemon zest, remaining pepper, and seasonings in another dish.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each strip in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured strips back into buttermilk briefly.
- Coat thoroughly in panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Let breaded strips rest on wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (for traditional frying) or preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally.
- Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 38g