Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders: A Citrusy Delight

Tender chicken infused with bright lemon flavor and enriched with buttery smoothness—this Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders recipe delivers a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or light summer meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is flavorful, fast, and family-friendly. The tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while olive oil ensures a crisp sear on the chicken tenders. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

---

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken
   Pat chicken tenders dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
   Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet.
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add lemon juice and zest, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Return Chicken to Skillet
   Add the chicken back to the pan, spoon the sauce over the tenders, and let it all heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

---

Servings and timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

---

Variations

• Add capers: Toss in 1 tbsp capers for a briny flavor contrast.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for gentle heat.

• Creamy twist: Stir in 2 tbsp of cream or crème fraîche into the sauce for a richer finish.

• Vegetable pairing: Serve with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.

---

Storage / Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken tenders in a single layer for up to 1 month.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to preserve moisture.

---

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes—cut chicken breasts into strips or thin slices for similar results.

2. Is bottled lemon juice okay?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

3. What herbs go best with this dish?

Parsley, thyme, or basil complement the lemon butter sauce beautifully.

4. Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—double the butter, garlic, and lemon to create more sauce for pasta or rice.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as no flour or gluten-containing seasonings are added.

6. Can I bake instead of sear?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then drizzle with the sauce.

7. What’s the best side dish?

Rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous soak up the sauce nicely. A crisp salad also pairs well.

8. Can I marinate the chicken in lemon juice first?

Briefly, yes—but limit to 30 minutes to avoid over-tenderizing with acid.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil entirely.

10. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking—just sear until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

---

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful dish packed with brightness and richness in every bite. With a simple ingredient list and fast cook time, it’s ideal for busy nights without sacrificing taste. Try this recipe once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your weekly rotation.