Fast Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets Recipe
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.
- 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
