Description
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these homemade lemon pepper chicken tenders are a game-changer! Using a buttermilk marinade for tenderness and a double-dredge technique for extra crunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality chicken tenders with bold lemon pepper flavor. Cook them in the oven, air fryer, or deep fryer for a perfect meal that both kids and adults will love!
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 2 lbs chicken tenderloins (about 10–12 pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, adds depth without too much heat)
Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
Lemon Pepper Butter (For Finishing Touch)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dipping Sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Buffalo sauce
- Lemon aioli: (½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp zest, 1 minced garlic clove)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add the chicken tenderloins, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
In a shallow dish, whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade. In a second dish, mix flour, panko, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Remove a chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade and let excess drip off. Coat in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure even coverage. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Return to the flour mixture for a second dredge, pressing again to create a thick, crispy coating. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
📌 Oven-Baked (Healthier & Reliable)
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with a wire rack. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, spray both sides with cooking spray, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and 165°F (75°C) internally. For extra crunch, broil for the last minute while keeping a close eye.
📌 Air Fryer (Crispy Without the Oil)
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket and place tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Spray tops with cooking spray and cook for 6 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook another 6-8 minutes, until crispy and 165°F internally.
📌 Deep-Fried (Authentic Southern Crunch)
Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot. Carefully add 3-4 tenders at a time, frying for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and check the internal temperature (165°F). Maintain oil temperature for even cooking—too cool makes them greasy, too hot burns the coating before the inside cooks.
While the tenders are still hot, brush them with lemon pepper butter for an extra burst of flavor. Serve on a platter with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Pro Tip: Grate a little fresh lemon zest over the tenders just before serving—the heat releases the natural citrus oils, enhancing the dish!
Notes
✔ Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
✔ Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk + lemon juice for buttermilk.
✔ Spicier Version: Double cayenne pepper & add red pepper flakes.
✔ Parmesan Twist: Add ½ cup grated Parmesan to the flour mixture.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (varies by method)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Carbohydrates: ~280 kcal (varies by cooking method)
Keywords: crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders, homemade chicken tenders, crunchy chicken strips, air fryer chicken tenders, oven-baked chicken tenders, deep-fried chicken tenders