These oven-baked lemon pepper chicken tenders are a quick and delicious meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned with zesty lemon and freshly ground black pepper, each tender is juicy on the inside and golden on the outside.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy chicken tenders recipe makes a perfect choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even special occasions. Whether you’re serving them with a fresh salad, dipping sauce, or alongside roasted veggies, these lemon pepper chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
These lemon pepper chicken tenderloins are marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, then oven-baked to juicy perfection in a savory chicken broth. Coated in a bold seasoning blend, they’re bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a delicious garlicky kick. The pan sauce that forms while baking is vibrant, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
If you’ve never tried oven-baked lemon pepper chicken tenders, get ready for a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. It’s the perfect go-to for a wholesome dinner that’s anything but boring.
- 1 Why Are You Going To Love This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
- 2 Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 3 How To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- 4 Tips For Making The Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- 5 How To Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- 6 Storing Ideas For These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 More Chicken Recipes
- 9 Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Why Are You Going To Love This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Packed with Bright, Citrusy Flavor – Every bite is infused with zesty lemon and savory garlic, making these chicken tenders incredibly refreshing and flavorful.
- Tender and Juicy Every Time – Baked in a lemony broth, these chicken tenders come out unbelievably moist and succulent—never dry or overcooked.
- Quick and Effortless Dinner – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, this is the ultimate no-fuss, weeknight-friendly chicken dinner.
- Made with Simple, Clean Ingredients – You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to make this healthy baked chicken recipe—no breadcrumbs or frying involved.
- Naturally Low-Carb and Gluten-Free – Perfect for anyone following a keto, gluten-free, or clean eating diet. These baked tenders are both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile and Family-Approved – Serve them with roasted veggies, salad, or rice—this recipe pairs well with almost any side and is loved by kids and adults alike.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a double batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Watch this quick step-by-step video to see exactly how easy it is to make the best lemon pepper chicken tenders.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients to create these juicy and flavorful oven-baked lemon pepper chicken tenders. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Tenderloins – The star of this recipe. They cook quickly and remain juicy. You can also substitute with sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs if preferred.
- Lemon Pepper Marinade – You can make this chicken marinade ahead of time and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavors.
- Chicken Stock – Adds extra moisture and richness during baking. Feel free to swap with vegetable stock or even bone broth for added nutrition.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives this dish a bold, aromatic base. Use more if you love garlicky flavor, or adjust to taste.
- Lemon – You’ll need both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to give the chicken a bright, citrusy kick and help tenderize the meat naturally.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle depth and a touch of color. Smoked paprika is highly recommended for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
- Salt&Pepper – Season to taste, but go easy on the salt as the stock and marinade already bring saltiness.
- Parsley – Sprinkled on top as a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
How To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
You will be surprised to see how easy it is to make this delicious recipe. Here is everything you have to do:
Start making the marinade then pour it over the chicken.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375F and place the chicken tenderloins in a large baking dish in a single layer.
On top of the tenders, pour the chicken stock and the seasonings.
Bake them for 25 minutes and enjoy.
Tips For Making The Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish – Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with space between each piece. If they overlap, they’ll steam instead of roast, and take much longer to cook through.
- Marinate for maximum flavor – While 30 minutes will do the trick, marinating the chicken tenders overnight allows the lemon juice, pepper, and garlic to deeply tenderize the meat and infuse it with bright, bold flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare. Fresh lemon adds vibrant acidity and citrus aroma that makes these tenders truly irresistible.
- Let the chicken rest before serving – After baking, let the tenders rest for 5 minutes to keep them juicy. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
- Add a touch of butter or olive oil at the end – Drizzle with melted butter or a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil after baking for a rich, velvety finish.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness – Chicken tenders are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures they’re safe to eat and perfectly juicy—not dry.
- Bake uncovered for a golden top – For crispier edges, bake the tenders uncovered and finish with a quick broil if you want a golden-brown finish.
- Optional: Add herbs for extra freshness – Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, dill, or thyme over the baked chicken tenders before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
How To Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
These juicy baked lemon chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of low-carb and keto-friendly sides. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep, here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Cauliflower Rice – Light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up that lemony pan sauce. This quick, two-ingredient side dish is a fantastic low-carb alternative to rice and adds a subtle, nutty flavor to your meal.
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables – Pair these tender chicken strips with a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and adds a satisfying texture to the plate.
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower – Skip the potatoes and serve your lemon pepper chicken tenders with ultra-smooth, buttery mashed cauliflower. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavor of the chicken.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) – A great gluten-free and low-carb alternative to pasta. Toss zoodles with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon for a light and refreshing side dish.
- Greek Salad – A fresh cucumber and tomato salad with feta cheese and olives adds a Mediterranean touch that complements the lemon and herbs in the chicken.
- Garlic Green Beans – Sauté green beans in olive oil and garlic for a quick side that’s full of flavor and crunch.
- Cheesy Broccoli Bake – Add some comfort to your plate with this warm and satisfying low-carb side. The richness of cheese balances perfectly with the zesty chicken.
Storing Ideas For These Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Fridge – You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Then, reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
- Freezer – These lemon pepper chicken tenderloins can also be frozen in individual containers for up to two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Bake Chicken Tenders at 375 degrees F?
Are you wondering how long you bake chicken tenders in the oven? You have to bake tenders for about 20 minutes to keep them moist and tender.
Can I Use Another Type Of Chicken?
I used chicken tenderloins, but if you want, you can also use chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs.
How Should I Know When My Chicken Tenderloin Is Ready?
To ensure proper cooking, you must reach a specific temperature in the meat’s center.
To cook chicken thoroughly, it must achieve a temperature of 165°F. You can check this by using a meat thermometer.
How Long To Marinate Chicken Tenderloin?
To absorb the flavors and make the chicken tastier, marinate the chicken tenderloins for at least 30 minutes.
More Chicken Recipes
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Cajun Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Crispy Baked Keto Chicken Nuggets
- Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs
Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 batch Lemon Pepper Marinade
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lemon medium, sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
Instructions
- In a large baking dish, place the chicken layers in a single layer. Pour the chicken marinade on top and mix to coat well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavors.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/ 190°C.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge, and pour the chicken stock over the marinated chicken.
- Season with paprika, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and peppercorn. Top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is done or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve topped with lemon juice and your favorite side dish.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.