Introduction

This chicken tenders recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a garlic and herb twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a delicious dish that everyone will love.

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons 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 (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the pan and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side, seasoning each side as it cooks.
Step 4: Move the chicken to one side of the pan to make space. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken and garlic, then cook for an additional minute.
Step 6: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan to deglaze, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for best taste.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
Serve chicken tenders over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What can I serve with these chicken tenders?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 136 reviews

This Chicken Tenders Recipe features tender and juicy chicken mini fillets cooked to perfection in a buttery garlic and paprika seasoning. Sautéed in a skillet with a splash of water to deglaze and finish with fresh parsley, this dish is a quick and flavorful option for a delicious protein-packed meal.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons 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 (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Add the olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is hot and ready for cooking.
Season and cook chicken: Place the chicken tenders in the pan and season evenly with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, seasoning each side as it cooks to build flavor.
Add garlic and butter: Make space in the pan, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its fragrance without burning.
Include Italian seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken and garlic mixture and cook for an additional minute to allow the herbs to infuse.
Deglaze the pan: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Use a spatula to scrape these bits to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for a fresh aromatic finish. Serve warm immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Make sure the skillet is sufficiently heated before adding the chicken to ensure even browning.
Adjust the paprika and seasoning to taste if you prefer it spicier or milder.
Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor; avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness.
Deglazing with water adds moisture and makes a simple but flavorful pan sauce.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: chicken tenders, garlic chicken, paprika chicken, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner