Craving a quick and delicious dinner? This easy chicken tenderloin recipe is your answer.
With its juicy, flavorful pieces, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the fuss. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter until the butter melts.
- Place the chicken tenders in the pan, seasoning them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for three minutes, ensuring both sides are well-seasoned as you turn them.
- Shift the chicken to one side of the pan, melt the remaining butter, and introduce the garlic. Allow the garlic to cook for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken and garlic, and continue cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan to deglaze it, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan’s bottom.
- Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves and serve the chicken tenders warm.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins (or 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 fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 879kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 99g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 351mg | Sodium: 1701mg | Potassium: 1878mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.6g | Vitamin A: 3180IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute chicken breasts for chicken tenders in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Just cut the skinless, boneless chicken breasts into thin strips before cooking.
- What is the white part found in a chicken tenderloin?
- The white part is a tough tendon attached to the chicken tender. While you can cook with it, removing it can result in a more pleasant texture.
- Is it necessary to wash chicken tenderloins before cooking?
- It is not recommended to rinse poultry as this can lead to the spread of bacteria. Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will ensure any bacteria is killed.
- Are chicken tenders considered a healthy food option?
- Yes, chicken tenders are lean and healthy, being low in calories due to their skinless nature.
- What side dishes pair well with garlic butter chicken tenders?
- Garlic butter pasta, homemade coleslaw, oven-baked French fries, and basil pesto are all excellent side dishes to complement these chicken tenders.
Tips
- Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks since it can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Aim to cook it for only 30-60 seconds until it’s fragrant.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken tenders to prevent them from becoming dry and tough. They’re ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Enhance the flavor of the dish by deglazing the pan with a bit of water. This will help incorporate all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the sauce.
- Consider removing the tough white tendon from the chicken tenders for a more pleasant texture, although it is safe to cook and eat if left on.
Equipment
- Grill Pan – If you plan to make grilled chicken tenders as mentioned in the recipe.
- Air Fryer – If you choose to make the air-fried version of the chicken tenders.
- Skillet – For cooking the garlic butter chicken tenders on the stove.
