Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Sauce Recipe that’s all about bright, zesty flavors paired with irresistibly crispy chicken. These tenders soak up a tangy buttermilk marinade infused with lemon and spices, then get a golden, crunchy coating before being drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce that packs just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look back at takeout chicken tenders the same way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to bring out bright lemon notes balanced by savory spices and a touch of sweetness. Each one is essential, giving you tender, juicy chicken with a buttery, honey-kissed finish that’s utterly unforgettable.

• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins: The perfect size for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
• 1 cup whole buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang for extra flavor.
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning: The star seasoning delivering citrus zing with a peppery kick.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the bright lemon flavor throughout.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to balance richness.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Just a hint of heat to awaken the taste buds.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: For aromatic depth and gentle savoriness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky aroma.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms a crispy crust; gluten-free options can be used if preferred.
• Peanut or vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying to golden perfection.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the honey butter sauce, rich and creamy.
• 1/2 cup pure honey: Adds luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, plus zest: Enhances the sauce’s bright, peppery profile.
• 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic: Gives the sauce a savory kick packed with flavor.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry; this helps the marinade stick better. Place them in a large container or resealable bag and pour over whole buttermilk, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good massage with your hands to make sure each tender is fully coated, then seal it up and let these flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. This marinade is the secret behind incredibly juicy and flavorful tenders.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

While the chicken marinates, mix the remaining lemon pepper seasoning with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and flour in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour forms the crispy, golden shell on your tenders, delivering that satisfying crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour peanut or vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high until it reaches around 350 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a deep-fry thermometer here can really help you achieve consistently crispy chicken without greasiness.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then generously coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off extra flour and set the tenders aside on a baking sheet. Don’t crowd the pot; fry 4 to 5 tenders at a time until beautifully golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness. Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

While the tenders rest, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in honey, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then remove from heat—this honey butter sauce is going to elevate those crispy tenders to new heights of deliciousness.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Place all fried chicken tenders into a large bowl and pour your warm honey butter sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece with that glossy, flavor-packed sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer control with each bite.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a refreshing green pop and subtle herbaceous notes that brighten the dish even more. Thin slices or zest of lemon can also be scattered over the top to emphasize the citrus vibe and look extra inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with crisp garden salads, creamy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or even a tangy quinoa salad to complement the sweet and savory elements of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, serve the tenders on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges and small bowls of honey butter sauce for dipping. Or stack them inside warm slider buns with a drizzle of sauce and some fresh greens for irresistible mini sandwiches. However you serve them, these tenders will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain moist thanks to the marinade, though the coating might lose some crispness, which can be revived upon reheating.

Freezing

These chicken tenders freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick dinners later on.

Reheating

To keep the coating crispy, reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips roughly the size of tenderloins and follow the same marinade and frying steps. Cooking time might be slightly longer due to thickness, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.

Is there a way to make these tenders baked instead of fried?

Yes! Coat the chicken as usual, then place on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get golden edges. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What type of honey works best for the honey butter sauce?

Any pure honey will do, but mild-flavored varieties like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom let the lemon and garlic notes shine without overpowering the sauce.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This not only saves time but deepens the flavor and tenderness of the tenders.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying. Just make sure the blend you choose is designed for breading to get that crispy bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with sunshine and comfort in every bite, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress guests. Whip up a batch, pour on that luscious honey butter sauce, and prepare to be amazed at how something so easy can taste so extraordinary!

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