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Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

honey lemon pepper chicken tenders - featured image
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These chicken tenders are double-dipped for extra crunch, then glazed with a sticky-sweet honey lemon pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or as a protein-packed snack, they deliver bold flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast tenders (or slice regular breasts into strips)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough to fill skillet about 1 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using whole breasts, slice into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Set up breading station: In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each tender in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Coat in beaten egg, then roll in panko until evenly covered. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step (double-dip).
  4. Pour oil into skillet to about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F.
  5. Add chicken pieces to hot oil, spacing them out. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Fry in batches if needed.
  6. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Rest for 2–3 minutes.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, butter, cracked pepper, and salt. Heat over low, stirring until butter melts and glaze thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes).
  8. Brush or drizzle glaze over hot chicken tenders. Optionally, sprinkle with more lemon zest or cracked pepper.
  9. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Double-dip for extra crunch. Let breaded tenders rest before frying for best coating. Keep oil at 350°F for even browning. For gluten-free, use GF flour and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil for butter in glaze. Tenders can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, honey lemon pepper, crispy chicken, fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, party food, kid-friendly, game night, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-honey-lemon-pepper-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-and-irresistible/