Juicy, tender, and ready in a flash—this Chicken Tenders Recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, flavorful chicken in just 15 minutes. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of herby, garlicky goodness, making it the ideal companion for busy weeknights or whenever you need a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen. These chicken tenders absolutely shine on their own, but the mild spice of paprika, warmth of Italian seasoning, and the richness of butter ensure they’re anything but ordinary. If you’re all about big flavors with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become a permanent favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner in 15 Minutes: When the day gets away from you, it’s a lifesaver to have a recipe that goes from pan to plate in no time at all.
- Big Flavor, Simple Steps: Each ingredient is used for maximum impact—quick seasoning, a sizzle in garlic butter, and a finishing herby touch pack in loads of taste.
- Versatility: These chicken tenders fit seamlessly into salads, wraps, or served straight up with your favorite sides.
- Made for Real Life: No fussing with breading, marinating, or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything about this dish is practical for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the dish. Opt for these mini fillets for perfectly juicy results and quick cooking.
- Olive Oil: Ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and adds a little richness right from the start.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create those irresistible pan juices. Use part to cook, part to finish.
- Paprika: Provides gentle heat and a lovely color. Smoked paprika is especially delicious if you want a subtle smokiness.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple essentials for bringing balance and depth.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed—don’t hold back! Fragrant garlic flavor is a must here.
- Italian Seasoning: For an herby finish. If you have fresh herbs, those work too, but dried is perfectly fine.
- Fresh Parsley (or Basil): For garnish. Adds color, freshness, and a subtle layer of flavor.
- Water: Just a splash for deglazing the pan, pulling up all the flavorful browned bits (don’t skip this step!).
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
These chicken tenders are a brilliant blank canvas. Here are a few tweaks and swaps to fit your cravings or pantry:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of zest for bright, zippy flavor.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the tenders just before serving.
- Herb Switch: Swap the Italian seasoning for herbes de Provence, Cajun spice, or your favorite blend.
- Vegetarian?! Use thick slices of halloumi or tofu prepared the same way—trust me, it’s delicious.
How to Make Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Add olive oil and half the butter to a large skillet or frying pan. Set it over medium heat—wait until the butter’s melted and just starting to bubble.
Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken
Lay the chicken tenders in a single layer. Season generously with paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and season the second side.
Step 3: Infuse with Flavor
After both sides are golden, make a little space in the pan. Add the rest of your butter along with the garlic. Stir that garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 4: Herby Goodness
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken. Let the flavors meld for another minute, stirring gently.
Step 5: Pan Deglazing Magic
Pour in a splash of water—about two tablespoons is perfect. Quickly scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. This creates a quick sauce that coats the chicken and adds tons of flavor.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer your golden, juicy tenders to a plate, drizzle with any pan juices, and shower with fresh parsley or basil to finish. Serve warm and savor every bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best browning, the tenders need their space. Too close together, and they’ll steam instead of sear.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns fast; as soon as it turns fragrant, move on to the next step.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: If you have some on hand, a handful of chopped parsley or basil at the end amplifies freshness.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: Scraping up browned bits with a little water isn’t just cleanup—it’s where the punchy flavor lives.
How to Serve
These chicken tenders are wildly versatile. Here’s how you might enjoy them:
On Their Own
Pile them on a plate and serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli.
In a Sandwich or Wrap
Tuck them into a soft roll or wrap with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your favorite sauce.
With Sides
Pair with roasted veggies, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Over Pasta or Grains
Slice the tenders and add them to a bowl of buttered noodles, quinoa, or even a grain salad.
Tip: A squeeze of lemon right over the top is always a good idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. These tenders stay juicy and reheat beautifully!
Freezing
Freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, splash with a little water or chicken broth to keep them moist. The microwave works, but go low and slow so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely. Just slice the chicken breasts into strips about the width of a finger so they cook quickly and evenly, just like tenderloins.
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What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! Mix together what you have on hand—dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary will get you very close to that classic blend.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is not to overcook it. Three minutes per side is usually perfect, but if the tenders are thinner they’ll cook even faster. Let them rest a minute before serving to retain those tasty juices.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative (like olive oil or a plant-based butter). The results will still be delicious and golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re yearning for a weeknight hero, these chicken tenders deliver on all fronts—speed, ease, and pure, crave-worthy flavor. They’re reliable, endlessly adaptable, and genuinely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding little ones, prepping lunch, or just want something delicious and unfussy, give this recipe a try. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and flavorful Chicken Tenders recipe features juicy chicken tenderloins quickly cooked in a skillet with olive oil, butter, garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or protein-packed lunch, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter, divided
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins (chicken mini fillets)
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and combine. - Season and Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in the hot pan. Sprinkle them with paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Let the tenders cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and season the other side, cooking for another 3 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through. - Add Garlic and Butter
Move the chicken slightly to make room in the pan, or temporarily push them to the sides. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the center and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. - Final Seasoning and Deglazing
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken. Cook for one additional minute, turning the chicken to coat it in the seasoning and garlic butter. Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan to deglaze, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. - Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the cooked chicken tenders with chopped fresh parsley (or basil leaves if desired). Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- These chicken tenders pair well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Feel free to substitute parsley with fresh basil for a different flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken tenders to keep them juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
