Lemon butter chicken tenders deliver bold flavor with minimal effort, making them one of the fastest weeknight meals you can bring to the table. The bright acidity of fresh lemon balances the richness of melted butter, while garlic and herbs add depth and aroma. Because the chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly, you get juicy, golden pieces coated in a silky, citrusy sauce. Whether you want a quick family dinner, a meal-prep hero, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe gives you satisfying results every time. As you follow the steps below, you’ll see how simple techniques transform basic ingredients into a vibrant, comforting skillet meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken tenders
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning or a mix of dried thyme, basil, and oregano
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry to help them brown properly. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly on all sides. This simple seasoning adds flavor while ensuring the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter melts, place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Sear them for 3–4 minutes per side until they turn golden and cook through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Build the Lemon Garlic Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. As the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for 30–45 seconds. Stir continuously to prevent burning because burnt garlic will taste bitter. Once the garlic becomes fragrant, move to the next step.

4. Add the Liquids and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add tremendous flavor. Next, mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes. During this time, the liquid reduces slightly and the flavors blend.

5. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the seared chicken tenders back into the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over them so every piece absorbs flavor. Let the chicken simmer for 2–3 additional minutes. This brief simmering ensures the sauce coats the tenders while keeping them juicy and tender.

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Add a few lemon slices for visual appeal and extra brightness. At this point, the chicken shines with layers of citrus, herbs, and buttery richness.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage preserves the flavor and texture of the chicken. After the dish cools completely, place the chicken tenders and sauce in an airtight container.

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lemon butter sauce may thicken slightly but loosens once reheated.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Variations

1. Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

Add ¼ cup heavy cream during the simmering stage. The cream softens the lemon’s tang and creates a velvety texture.

2. Lemon Butter Chicken with Vegetables

Add asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or green beans to the pan after searing the chicken. Sauté the vegetables for 3–4 minutes before building the sauce.

3. Spicy Lemon Butter Chicken

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne for extra heat.

4. Herb-Forward Version

Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs intensify the aroma and freshness of the dish.

5. Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. To keep it low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile recipe pairs well with many sides, making it easy to customize based on your preferences.

Rice or Pasta: Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over white rice, brown rice, or buttered pasta.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce and balance the acidity of the lemon.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm bread to enjoy every drop of the buttery sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes for a hearty meal.
Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion

Lemon butter chicken tenders combine simplicity with bold flavor, making them a dish you can rely on for quick dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. The bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and velvety butter work together to create a sauce that elevates the tender chicken. Because the recipe adapts easily to various ingredients and cooking styles, you can customize it to match your tastes or dietary goals. This dish stands out for its balance, versatility, and ability to transform everyday ingredients into a delicious skillet meal.

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Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy Skillet Chicken with Garlic, Herbs & Lemon Butter Sauce

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lemon butter chicken tenders deliver bold, vibrant flavor with minimal effort. Fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs blend with melted butter to create a silky sauce that coats the tender, golden chicken. This fast skillet meal works well for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken tenders

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Season the Chicken
Pat chicken tenders dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Build the Lemon Garlic Base
Lower the heat to medium. Melt remaining butter. Add garlic and cook 30–45 seconds.

Add Liquids and Herbs
Pour in chicken broth and scrape browned bits. Add lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

Return Chicken to the Pan
Place chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over it. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

Finish with Fresh Herbs
Turn off heat. Add parsley and lemon slices.