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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe with Easy Herb Ranch Dip

crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders - featured image
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Crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders paired with a fresh, homemade herb ranch dip. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, these tenders deliver a flavorful crunch with a zesty lemon punch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (can swap with gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (90 g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil for frying (or olive oil for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Set up dredging stations: flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in another, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika in the last bowl. (5 minutes)
  3. Dredge each tender in flour, shake off excess, dip into egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently to adhere. Place coated tenders on a plate. (10 minutes)
  4. Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C). (5 minutes)
  5. Fry tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Adjust heat as needed. (8-10 minutes per batch)
  6. Transfer tenders to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain and keep crispy. Let rest for a few minutes. (5 minutes)
  7. Prepare herb ranch dip by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving. (5 minutes)
  8. Serve the crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders with the herb ranch dip and optional lemon wedges. (2 minutes)

Notes

Press panko mixture firmly onto chicken to prevent crust from falling off. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady. Fresh lemon zest is key for bright flavor. Herb ranch dip tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Oven or air fryer can be used as alternatives but may affect crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken, herb ranch dip, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken tenders, quick dinner, appetizer

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-chicken-tenders-recipe-with-easy-herb-ranch-dip/