These Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips are oven-baked, made with simple ingredients. They come together fast with barely any prep and no long marinating required. Best of all—you get all that bright, zesty flavor without the wait. It’s a healthy main dish your whole family will love.
Jump to:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips – Easy and Delicious
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredient Photo: Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
- Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
- How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
- Pro Tips
- Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips – Easy and Delicious
We eat a lot of chicken around here and so you’ll find a variety of chicken dishes on this site.
I love using chicken tenderloins because they come pre-packaged in strips and are one of the most tender pieces of chicken you can get.
I skipped the long marinating time on this dish because if you’re like me, you go into the kitchen to start dinner and realize you should have been marinating the chicken already. Ugh!
I’ve done this enough that I learned that the meat doesn’t have to be marinated for such a long time. Would it be better marinating for hours? Maybe. But it tastes pretty darn good if you let it sit for just a few minutes while you’re waiting for the oven to heat up, or starting the sides.
I also make simple pan fried chicken tenders, fried chicken tenders with gravy, and oven baked cornflake chicken tenders and we love them all.
These are some of the easiest ones I make and are versatile because they pair well with a variety of sides, everything from potatoes to roasted vegetables to pre-made salads.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple ingredients. Just chicken, a lemon, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper are all you need to make tender chicken strips that are zesty and bright. Bonus: these chicken tenders are gluten and dairy free making them suitable for many dietary needs!
Quick and easy. Just a little prep and bake time so this is on the table in about half an hour!
Goes with so many sides. This goes with many of our favorite sides, making it easy to select healthy dishes to keep your entire meal fresh and better-for-you. Or (if you’re like me) you can splurge on a side dish that maybe has a little more calories, since this dish is so figure friendly.
Ingredient Photo: Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
Chicken: I use tenderloins but in a pinch you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts that are cut into similar sized strips.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for this recipe and adds to the nutritional value. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest add fresh flavor to these chicken strips.
Seasonings: I keep it simple with garlic powder salt and black pepper.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
Jump to RecipeHere’s a quick look at the main steps with photos. Scroll (or jump) down to the recipe card for exact measurements and more detailed instructions.
Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and spices in a large bowl.
Place the chicken tenders in the oil mixture and toss to coat.
Place chicken strips onto a parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Pro Tips
- Use tenderloins for the best tenderness and consistency.
- Go for fresh lemon juice, you need the zest anyway. In a pinch you can use bottled lemon juice, just know it’s not my first choice.
- Chicken is done when the juice runs clear and the internal temperature reaches 165° on an instant read thermometer. Don’t have a thermometer? Go ahead and cut into a piece to make sure they’re all done.
Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Chicken
There are plenty of make-ahead side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken strips. Classic options like macaroni salad, pasta salad, potato salad, or even a fresh Brussels sprouts salad are always great choices.
If you’re looking for something lighter, simple vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans make easy, healthy sides.
Potatoes are another perfect match—take a look at the My Love for Potatoes section for some of the best options.
And for even more ideas, check out my 60 Best Sides for Chicken Fingers roundup!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just place them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 4 minutes, turn them over and cook, covered, for another 4 minutes.
Yes, because these have no breading they will cook perfectly in the air fryer. Air fry in batches at 400° for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and line one large, or two small, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim the tendon and clear membrane from the chicken tenders.2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and spices in a large bowl.1 lemon, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Place the chicken tenders in the oil mixture and toss to coat.
- Place chicken strips onto a parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Transfer to a serving platter to serve.
Yum! My husband LOVES lemon pepper chicken. He’ll be delighted to have this for dinner one night this week! Thank you!
My husband loves it too, thanks for stopping by!
Looks divine… Should definitely try this..
If you like lemon you will not be disappointed!
We love lemon also. Tastes so fresh! This sounds delicious.
It is one of Lee’s favorite,so I am always looking for new ways to use it.