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Chicken Tenders in a Cajun Lemon Butter Sauce

Chicken Tenders in a Cajun Lemon Butter Sauce

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  • Author: Nadin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Chicken Tenders in a Cajun Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and easy dish that features juicy chicken tenders seasoned with bold Cajun spices and cooked in a creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe balances zesty citrus flavors with rich, spicy creaminess. It is family-friendly, versatile, and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup chicken broth

Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken tenders evenly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated for full flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add Lemon and Broth: Pour in fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything cook together for another minute to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Pound chicken tenders lightly if uneven in thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Season generously with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled for maximum zestiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches if needed for a crispy crust.
  • Let cooked tenders rest a couple of minutes off heat to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/chicken-tenders-in-a-cajun-lemon-butter-sauce/