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.

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.

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.

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.

Chicken Tenders Recipe

Name: Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon butter, divided; 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins (chicken mini fillets); 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Scale

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)

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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