Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy
- How to Achieve the Ultimate Crunch
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
- Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
– These honey lemon pepper chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors.
– They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and a quick baking method.
– The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
– Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a full meal.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for the perfect crispy chicken tenders with a twist, you’re in for a treat! These honey lemon pepper chicken tenders are everything you want—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, the lemon brings a fresh zing, and the pepper gives it just the right amount of kick.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy
The magic of these crispy chicken tenders lies in the balance of flavors. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a slightly sticky coating that pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon and bold black pepper. Every bite is a flavor explosion, making these chicken tenders stand out from the rest.
How to Achieve the Ultimate Crunch
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is all about the right coating. A combination of flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs ensures that every piece of chicken gets a crunchy, golden-brown exterior. Baking at a high temperature and flipping the tenders halfway through cooking gives them an even crisp without needing deep frying.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make these crispy honey lemon chicken tenders. A few pantry staples like honey, lemon, and black pepper, combined with chicken tenders and breadcrumbs, create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These honey lemon pepper chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few tasty sides. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or classic fries for a complete meal. Want to take it up a notch? Serve them with a homemade dipping sauce like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store these crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat and maintain their crunch, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or air fry them for a few minutes. You can also prepare the breaded tenders ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal prep option.
Enjoy making and eating these irresistible crispy honey lemon pepper chicken tenders! For more delicious recipes, visit Lila Cooks.
Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken tender in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place tenders on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drizzle with honey lemon glaze before serving.
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