TacoSpiced Chicken Tenders with Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Ribbons

Tacospiced Chicken Tenders With Lemon Garlic But

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 packet (approximately 1 oz/28g) taco seasoning (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• 2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (approx. 2 tablespoons/30ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cut chicken breasts into uniform strips. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, taco seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinade for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
• Using a vegetable peeler, create long, thin zucchini ribbons. Peel down all sides of the zucchini, discard the core.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• In the same skillet (after removing the chicken), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in lemon juice and cook for another minute.
• Add the zucchini ribbons to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the zucchini with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
• Arrange the taco-spiced chicken tenders and lemon garlic butter zucchini ribbons on a plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro (if using). Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-400

Fat:20g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Tex-Mex, Italian

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy Taco Chicken Tenders Tonight?

Ever get bored of the same old chicken dinners? Honestly, same here. That's why I'm buzzing about these Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon . They're bursting with zesty, Tex-Mex flavor!

Brief Overview

This fusion dish blends Tex-Mex flair with Mediterranean zing. It's a super simple recipe. Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.

It serves around 4 people making it perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

These tenders are lean protein powerhouses! They're great for a quick weeknight meal. They're also special because of the killer flavor combo of zesty lemon and taco spice.

Let's talk about what we're actually doing here

Taco Chicken is getting a lemon garlic makeover. Think of it as a fiesta for your taste buds. This Taco Chicken Tenders Recipe takes boring chicken and makes it amazing .

I found the original idea on TikTok. Something like that user @healthyfitnessmeals looked amazing!

Lemon Zucchini adds a fresh, bright counterpoint to the rich Taco Chicken . Don't knock it til you try it. Seriously! The whole thing is a Zesty Chicken Tender Dinner dream.

We are going to be whipping some fantastic Chicken Tender Zucchini Ribbons soon enough!

Ingredients: Gather 'Round the Goodies!

Here's what you'll need to make these bad boys. I will share an ingredient list, so you know what you are getting into.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 packet (approximately 1 oz/28g) taco seasoning (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• 2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (approx. 2 tablespoons/30ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

This sounds like one of those Quick Chicken Tender Recipe

You know that craving for something quick and easy? Yeah, this is IT. Plus, you get some veggies in too.

It's a win-win. So, ditch the takeout menus tonight and give this a bash. I promise, you won't regret it.

I might add a dollop of sour cream if no one is looking...

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right then, are you ready to cook some Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini ? Trust me, it sounds fancy, but it's proper easy.

Honestly, even I can't mess it up!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Okay, first things first: the ingredients. Here's what you'll need for my Taco Chicken Tenders Recipe :

• Chicken Tenders: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for chicken breasts that are pink and firm to the touch. Avoid the slimy ones, yeah?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin is fab, but any will do.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1oz/28g) . I prefer the low-sodium kind. Don't want to OD on the salt!
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds a nice smoky kick!
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, innit?
• Cilantro: (Optional) A handful, chopped for garnish.

Now, for the Lemon Zucchini part:

• Zucchini: 2 medium . Go for firm ones without blemishes.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . The real stuff, please!
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. More if you're a garlic fiend like me.
• Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons/30ml) . Freshly squeezed is always best, you know?
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For a bit of heat.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped. Fresh, of course!
• Salt & Pepper: Again, to taste.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The taco seasoning does a lot of the heavy lifting, but don't be afraid to tweak it! If you like Tex-Mex Chicken and Zucchini a bit spicier, chuck in some cayenne pepper.

Seriously enhances the flavour!

For the Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders , the lemon juice and garlic are essential. Don't skimp on them! You could swap out the lemon for lime juice if you're feeling adventurous.

Adds a different, but equally Zesty Chicken Tender Dinner , you know?

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this Quick Chicken Tender Recipe . Here’s the bare minimum:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Non-stick is your friend!
• Vegetable Peeler: For those Chicken Tender Zucchini Ribbons .
• Cutting Board and Knife: Obviously.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Get those amounts right.

Honestly, that's all you need. No need for any posh equipment. Now, let's get cooking! And why not make some Chicken Noodles on the side? It is a perfect accompaniment for this Taco Chicken recipe!

Cooking Up the Perfect Taco Chicken Tenders

Honestly, who doesn't love chicken tenders? But let's ditch the boring breading. We're gonna make Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon – seriously, it's a game changer.

Forget bland, say hello to flavour! Think Tex-Mex meets the Mediterranean in a happy dance.

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise On!

First things first. Get everything prepped! That's what the fancy chefs call mise en place . Cut your chicken into tender strips.

Mix up your Taco Chicken seasoning. Then peel those Lemon Zucchini ribbons. Trust me, it saves you time later. Oh, and wash your hands! No one wants dodgy germs.

Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Taco Chicken

1. Toss chicken with olive oil, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Let that Taco Chicken Tenders Recipe marinade for at least 10 minutes .
3. Peel zucchini into ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
4. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Cook for 30 seconds .
6. Stir in lemon juice from one lemon and cook for 1 minute .
7. Add zucchini ribbons and toss. Cook for 2- 3 minutes .
8. Cook chicken in the same skillet for 3- 4 minutes per side , until it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips for Taco Chicken Nirvana

Want to take your Zesty Chicken Tender Dinner to the next level? Here are some secrets. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam.

Watch that garlic like a hawk! Burnt garlic is tragic. And rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking! This keeps them juicy.

You can even make the Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders ahead and reheat them!

Seriously, this Quick Chicken Tender Recipe will impress your mates. Pair with some Spanish rice and a cold beer. You've got yourself a fiesta!

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon

Honestly, sometimes the best part of a recipe is tweaking it until it's perfect for you. You know? It’s like finding that pair of jeans that fits just right.

So, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I've picked up making these Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon .

Plating and Presentation: Make 'Em Look Good!

Presentation matters, even if you're just scoffing it down in front of the telly!

• Plating: Arrange the Taco Chicken tenders artfully on a plate. Fan out the Lemon Zucchini ribbons alongside. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley. Adds a pop of colour, innit?
• Sides and Drinks: They are cracking with Spanish rice, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh avocado salad. A crisp lime margarita or an ice-cold Mexican beer are brilliant with Tex-Mex Chicken and Zucchini.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips

Right then, what if you have leftovers? No worries, sorted!

• Fridge Savvy: Leftover Taco Chicken Tenders Recipe will last in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders might get a bit softer, mind.
• Freezing (The Chicken Only!): You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months . Wrap 'em well!
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven ( 350° F/ 175° C ) for 10- 15 minutes , or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but they may get a bit rubbery, to be honest. The zucchini is best eaten fresh, really.

Change It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a twist? Let's get creative!

• Dietary Adaptations: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Or, for gluten-free, simply double-check your taco seasoning is gluten-free!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, try using butternut squash ribbons instead of zucchini. It will give a lovely autumnal sweetness, it will!

Get Smart: Nutritional Stuff

Okay, the boring but important bit.

• Simplified Nutrition: Each serving of these Quick Chicken Tender Recipe is about 350-400 calories. It also has a good whack of protein (around 40g).
• Health Benefits: Chicken is a great source of lean protein. The Lemon Garlic Zucchini adds vitamins and fibre. A balanced meal, more or less!

So there you have it! I hope you've enjoyed my ramblings and feel confident enough to give these Taco Chicken Tenders with Lemon a go.

Honestly, it's easier than it looks, and the results are so worth it. Happy cooking, you lovely lot!