Introduction

These fast lemon pepper chicken nuggets are a zesty twist on a classic favorite. With a flavorful lemon butter sauce, they’re perfect for a quick snack or a simple meal that packs a punch.

Small crispy golden brown fried chicken pieces form the main layer on a white plate, scattered unevenly with a rough, crunchy texture and sprinkled with small green herb bits. Among the chicken pieces, there are several bright yellow lemon wedges with white pith visible, adding a fresh contrast. A gold-colored fork picked up one piece of chicken near the middle of the plate, showing its crumbly texture. The scene is set on a white marbled surface covered partly by a soft-focus navy and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz frozen chicken nuggets (see note)
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Zest of 1/4 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package directions until golden and crispy.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, combine butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, onion powder, ground cayenne, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through.
Step 3: Add the cooked chicken nuggets to the sauce and toss well to coat each nugget evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the coated nuggets to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
Add extra cayenne if you like a spicier kick.
For a crispier texture, bake the nuggets instead of frying.
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover lemon pepper chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the nuggets soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds many pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken bites scattered around. The pieces show a crunchy texture with a light glaze that makes them look shiny. Sprinkled on top are small bits of chopped green herbs. Four lemon wedges with a bright yellow color and visible juice droplets are placed evenly among the chicken, adding a fresh touch. The dish is photographed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen nuggets?

Yes, bite-sized fresh chicken pieces can be cooked and then tossed in the lemon pepper sauce for a similar result. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding the sauce.

What can I substitute for lemon pepper seasoning?

If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, mix equal parts lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper to create your own blend.

Fast Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 121 reviews

These Fast Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets are a quick and flavorful twist on classic chicken nuggets. Tender nuggets are coated in a zesty lemon pepper butter sauce infused with garlic, cayenne, and onion powder, making for a deliciously tangy and mildly spicy snack or meal perfect for any day of the week.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Nuggets

16 oz frozen chicken nuggets

Lemon Pepper Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Zest of 1/4 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne

Instructions

Cook the Chicken Nuggets: Prepare the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package instructions, either by baking or frying, until they are fully cooked and crispy on the outside.
Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, onion powder, ground cayenne, and lemon zest. Stir continuously until the butter has melted completely and the sauce is hot and fragrant.
Coat the Nuggets in Sauce: Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, transfer them into the pan with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss or stir them gently until each nugget is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the coated chicken nuggets from the pan and place them on a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

For best results, cook the chicken nuggets until they are crispy before tossing in the sauce to keep texture contrast.
You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
Lemon pepper seasoning can be homemade or store-bought, but fresh lemon zest is recommended for optimal flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or casual meal and can be paired with dipping sauces or a fresh salad.

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken nuggets, quick chicken nuggets, lemon butter sauce, easy snack, chicken appetizer