Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy Skillet Chicken with Garlic, Herbs & Lemon Butter Sauce
This Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a quick and delicious dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken tenders are pan-seared to golden perfection, then coated in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s simple yet elegant. Bright, buttery, and satisfying, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Equipment
- Large skillet (nonstick or stainless steel)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife + cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: chili flakes, capers, or honey for variations
Instructions
- Season chicken: Pat tenders dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lightly coat with flour.
- Pan-sear: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to plate.
- Make sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in skillet, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Add fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, tossing gently in sauce for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for vibrant flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Flour coating helps sauce cling to chicken.
- For gluten-free, use almond flour.
- For a lighter version, reduce butter to 2 tbsp.
- Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.