Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

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These garlic butter chicken tenders are incredibly juicy, tender, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Each chicken tenderloin is seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Best of all? This easy chicken recipe comes together in just 20 minutes—making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or protein-packed lunch.

Whether you’re serving them with a side of roasted veggies, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh salad, these buttery chicken tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and restaurant-worthy taste—all in one skillet!

Make this garlic butter chicken tender recipe whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal that’s loaded with rich, savory flavor. These chicken tenderloins are incredibly juicy and smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce that turns a simple dinner into something special.

Imagine tender pieces of chicken cooked to golden perfection, then tossed in a warm, buttery sauce infused with garlic—it’s every bit as mouthwatering as it sounds.

Pair them with your favorite low-carb side dishes like cauliflower mash, roasted green beans, or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep this easy chicken recipe in regular rotation!

What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are a specific cut of meat that come from the underside of the chicken breast. While many people assume they’re just thin slices of chicken breast, they’re actually a distinct, naturally tender strip of meat attached to the breast itself.

Each chicken has two tenders, and they’re known for being the most tender, juicy, and flavorful part of the chicken breast. Thanks to their smaller size and soft texture, chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals.

You’ll often find chicken tenderloins used in popular recipes like baked chicken tenders, fried tenders, or sliced into salads, wraps, and low-carb bowls. They’re especially great for family-friendly dinners, kid-approved lunches, or even a protein-packed snack on the go.

Why You’re Going to Love These Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

• Quick and Easy Dinner – Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
• Juicy and Flavor-Packed – Coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, each chicken tender is perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful.
• Made with Simple, Healthy Ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find items—just wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
• Meal Prep Friendly – You can easily make these ahead of time and reheat for a delicious meal later in the week.
• One-Pan Recipe – Minimal cleanup required! Everything is cooked in a single skillet for convenience.
• Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved – Mild, buttery garlic flavor makes this a hit with both adults and picky eaters.
• Naturally Low Carb and Gluten-Free – Perfect for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet.
• Customizable – Easily adapt the seasoning or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to suit your taste.
• Pairs Well with Almost Anything – Serve with roasted veggies, mashed cauliflower, salad, or your favorite low-carb sides.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – It’s an easy way to create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant—without the cost or effort.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

This garlic butter chicken tenders recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack in tons of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders – For best results, remove from the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Italian Seasoning – Use a store-bought mix or make your own at home with herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Onion Powder – Adds depth of flavor. Can be swapped with garlic powder if preferred.
• Butter – Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning in the dish.
• Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a bold, smoky flavor. Regular paprika works too if you prefer it mild.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste.
• Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped, for a fresh and vibrant garnish.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Butter – Adds a rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps brown the garlic beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic – Minced for maximum flavor. Fresh garlic makes a big difference here.
• Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the sauce. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
• Lemon Juice – A splash of acidity helps balance the richness of the butter and brightens the dish.
• Hot Sauce (Optional) – Adds a subtle kick of heat. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

What’s not to love about this delicious recipe that’s super easy to make in such a short time without needing any cooking skills? Here are the instructions that you need to follow:

Season The Chicken Tenders

Add the chicken tenders to a large bowl, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix using a silicone spatula until each chicken tender is well coated with seasoning.

Cooking The Chicken Tenders

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken tenders.

Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until no longer pink.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make The Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken tenders. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender.

Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Mix and cook for 30 seconds until everything is well mixed.

Return the chicken tender to the skillet and toss them with the sauce.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy.

Tips & Tasty Variations for the Best Chicken Tenders

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook the chicken tenders in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in uneven cooking and less browning.
• Preheat the Pan Well – Always make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that flavorful golden crust and seals in the juices.
• Coat Generously with Seasonings – Season the chicken tenders thoroughly on all sides. This ensures maximum flavor and helps form a perfectly seasoned crust.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – For perfectly cooked chicken, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the tenders juicy.
• Deglaze for Extra Flavor – After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, lemon juice, or even white wine to lift those browned bits off the bottom and build a deeper sauce.
• Garnish for Freshness – Finish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
• Spicy Garlic Tenders – Add a pinch of red pepper chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce – Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Zesty Lemon Herb – Mix in some lemon zest and extra fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a light, Mediterranean-style variation.
• Cheesy Twist – Once cooked, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a cheesy, golden topping.
• Smoky Paprika Swap – Use chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a bold, smoky flavor profile.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

• Fridge – Store leftover garlic butter chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 7 daysand make a great option for easy meal prep or quick lunches.
• Freezer – For longer storage, place the cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To avoid sticking, you can freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container.
• To reheat: Thaw the chicken tenders in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the microwave or a skillet with one tbsp of butter.

Serving Ideas

Although this recipe is super delicious, served simple as it is, you can pair it with many side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some great ideas:

• Cauliflower Risotto
• Roasted Vegetables
• Green Beans Casserole
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is That White String in Chicken Tenders?

The white string in a chicken tenderloin is a tough, fibrous tendon that runs through the center of the meat.

It’s not necessary to remove the tendon, as it is perfectly safe to eat. However, some people choose to remove the tendon for aesthetic reasons or because it can become tough and chewy when cooked. In general, cooking chicken tenders with the tendon intact won’t pose any danger to your health, and it’s ultimately up to personal preference whether or not to remove it.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Sure, this recipe is great to prepare in advance for those busy when you don’t have much time for cooking.

Can I Make This Recipe With Chicken Breast?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of tenders to create this recipe. Just make sure that you slice the chicken into thin and similar strips to ensure that they cook evenly.

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