Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of crunchy coating and a sweet, tangy glaze. This easy-to-make dish works perfectly as a snack or a main course that kids and adults will both enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a frying pan if frying. Pat chicken tenders dry and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Bake the breaded tenders on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the sauce.
- Step 4: Once chicken is cooked, drizzle the honey lemon sauce over the tenders and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
- Try using panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips and use them in place of tenders. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal for a gluten-free option.
PrintCrispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken Tenders are a delightful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, baked or fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders combine crunchy texture with bright citrus flavors for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Honey Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading: Set up a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and seasoned breadcrumbs (mixed with salt and pepper) in a third bowl.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Choose your cooking method—either bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping once halfway; or shallow fry in medium-hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked.
- Make the Honey Lemon Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the honey lemon sauce evenly over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Adjust the lemon juice and honey ratio to taste for more sweetness or tartness in the sauce.
- For a healthier version, opt for baking instead of frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy tenders.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or dipping sauce of choice.
Keywords: chicken tenders, honey lemon chicken, crispy chicken, baked chicken tenders, sweet and tangy chicken
