Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken – In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken tender in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken tenders and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and honey (if using). Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Coat the chicken – Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the tenders. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices on the side.

✨ Serving Ideas: Enjoy with roasted veggies, garlic butter rice, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!