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
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.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Add cream for a richer sauce.
For extra lemon flavor, increase lemon zest by ½ teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: lemon butter chicken tenders, lemon chicken, garlic herb chicken, skillet chicken