Description
Crispy and tender chicken tenders coated in a flavorful Cajun seasoning and flour batter, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a vibrant and rich lemon butter sauce with garlic and a hint of spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe offers a wonderful balance of savory spices, buttery smoothness, and refreshing citrus notes, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
Cajun Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for spice adjustment)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which ensures crispiness. Season them generously with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt to build layers of flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly dust the seasoned tenders evenly with flour, coating all sides to create a crunchy exterior when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Cajun Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce thicken slightly while stirring to combine flavors.
- Combine and Serve: Return the crispy chicken tenders to the skillet and toss gently in the lemon butter sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; cook in batches to maintain hot oil temperature.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
- Add garlic to butter when it is hot but not bubbling strongly to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness and sauce flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, Cajun, lemon butter sauce, crispy chicken, quick dinner, family-friendly