Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Looking for a dish that’s juicy, zesty, and a little sweet? Meet Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders—crispy, golden bites glazed with a tangy honey-lemon sauce and a hint of black pepper. Bursting with flavor yet quick to make, these tenders are perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even as a snack everyone will love.

Fun fact: Lemons are often called the “wonder fruit” thanks to their high vitamin C and health benefits. Pair that with honey’s natural sweetness, and you’ve got a winning combo. If you loved my Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings, you’ll enjoy this lighter, tender-friendly twist!

What Are Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders?

It’s all in the name: tender chicken coated in a sweet, citrusy glaze with just the right kick of pepper. Honey adds richness, lemon brings brightness, and black pepper balances it with gentle spice. Together, they create a flavor harmony that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

• Budget-Friendly: Homemade and cheaper than takeout.

• Family Approved: Kid-friendly, but bold enough for grown-up palates.

• Flavor Balance: Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• ¼ cup honey

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 Tbsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• Olive oil (for cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make Marinade: Whisk honey, lemon juice, zest, pepper, and salt in a bowl.

2. Marinate Chicken: Coat tenders and let rest in the fridge for 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

3. Heat Pan: Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat.

4. Cook: Sear tenders for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 75°C inside).

5. Serve: Rest briefly, then plate and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

Pair with:

• Steamed rice to soak up the glaze

• Roasted veggies or potato wedges

• Crisp salad or slaw

• Lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing drink

Tips for Success

• Longer Marinate = More Flavor (but no more than 2 hours).

• Want Spice? Add cayenne or chili flakes.

• Swap Protein: Boneless thighs work beautifully too.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet to keep them juicy.

• Freeze: Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

With their golden crispness, citrusy tang, and touch of sweetness, these Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to impress. Quick, simple, and bursting with flavor—your new go-to weeknight hero!

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Juicy and tangy chicken tenders marinated in a sweet honey-lemon glaze with a hint of black pepper, perfect for dinner or a quick snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the marinade

• 1/4 cup honey Sweetness that complements the acidity of the lemon.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest Adds a burst of lemony fragrance.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper For a bit of spice.
• Salt to taste To enhance all the flavors.

For the chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenders Fresh or thawed, this is the star of the dish!

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Cooking

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken tenders. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Serving

1. Remove from the heat and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these tenders as is or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. For more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade! If you want to use a different kind of meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs also work beautifully with this marinade.