Introduction
Discover a delightful and easy recipe for lemon pepper chicken tenderloins that are perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. With a crispy exterior and a zesty lemon butter sauce, this dish brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 pounds chicken tenderloins
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
23 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich lemon butter sauce. It’s an easy recipe to add to your culinary repertoire!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the coated chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Set Aside the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and lemon juice. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined, forming a sauce.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Toss them in the lemon butter sauce to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
– Ensure that the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust.
– Lemon pepper seasoning can be adjusted according to personal preference.
– Fresh parsley adds flavor and a pop of color to the dish, but it is optional.
Cook Techniques
Dredging
In this recipe, chicken tenderloins are dredged in a mixture of flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. This technique creates a flavorful crust when the chicken is cooked. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for the best results.
Pan-Frying
The chicken is cooked in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. This method provides a nice golden brown crust while keeping the inside juicy. It is essential to let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to achieve proper browning.
Making a Sauce
After cooking the chicken, a quick sauce is made by melting butter and combining it with lemon juice in the same skillet. This technique helps to deglaze the pan, capturing any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.
Tossing
The cooked chicken tenderloins are returned to the skillet and tossed in the lemon butter sauce. This method ensures that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce, enhancing its flavor and making it more enjoyable to eat.
Garnishing
Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add color and freshness to the dish. This simple technique can elevate the presentation and provide a pop of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is lemon pepper seasoning essential for this recipe?
While lemon pepper seasoning adds distinct flavor, you can substitute it with other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for best results.
Conclusion
Chicken tenderloins coated in a lemon butter sauce not only provide a delicious meal but also offer a delightful balance of flavors. The combination of lemon pepper seasoning and the richness of butter enhances the dish, making it a perfect choice for dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders
Replace the lemon pepper seasoning with a mixture of garlic powder, dried thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant alternative.
Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders
Add a tablespoon of honey and crushed red pepper flakes to the butter and lemon juice for a sweet and spicy kick.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Mix grated Parmesan cheese with the flour for a crispy, cheesy coating on the chicken tenderloins.
Asian-Inspired Lemon Chicken
Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and add soy sauce to the lemon butter sauce for an Asian twist.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
After cooking, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of lemon butter sauce for a spicy variation.
