Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

I’ve been making these Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe for years, and they never fail to impress my family and friends. What started as a quick weeknight solution has become one of my most requested recipes.

The combination of tender, juicy chicken with rich garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor that’s both comforting and elegant. I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something special in just 15 minutes. Every time I make these, I’m reminded why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious garlic butter chicken tenders.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best as it adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the garlic beautifully
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Use real butter, not margarine, for the richest flavor and proper browning
• 1 pound chicken tenderloins: Look for tenders that are similar in size for even cooking, and remove the white tendon if visible
• 2 teaspoons paprika: Sweet paprika adds a lovely color and mild pepper flavor without heat
• ½ teaspoon salt: Kosher salt or sea salt works best for seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides the best flavor
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential here; avoid pre-minced garlic from jars as it lacks the punch needed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning:  Make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for the freshest taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a bright pop of color and fresh herb flavor at the end

Note: This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations

This versatile recipe adapts easily to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with additional olive oil or use vegan butter alternatives. Coconut oil also works wonderfully and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a kick of heat.
• Herb Variations: Switch up the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. You can also add fresh basil at the end for a Mediterranean twist.
• Lemon Garlic: Add the juice of half a lemon and some lemon zest during the last minute of cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large skillet or frying pan: Essential for searing the chicken tenders and creating the garlic butter sauce
• Sharp knife: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley
• Cutting board: A stable surface for prep work
• Meat thermometer: To ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F
• Spatula or tongs: For flipping the chicken tenders safely

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Making garlic butter chicken tenders is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare them with ease. Each step ensures your chicken comes out tender, flavorful, and perfectly golden.

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Drizzle a little olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. This creates a rich base that prevents the chicken from sticking and helps build a golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and season them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, seasoning again as you flip, until they turn beautifully golden.

Step 3: Add Garlic Flavor

Push the chicken slightly to the side, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, and add the minced garlic. Let it cook for around 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the pan and let the chicken absorb the flavors for another minute. This step enhances the buttery garlic base with a fresh, herby kick.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. This is where the rich, caramelized flavor hides.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing the chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves. Serve them warm for the best taste and presentation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through my experience making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that make all the difference.

• I always pound the chicken tenders to an even thickness if they vary significantly in size. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the step of patting the chicken dry – wet chicken will steam rather than sear, and you’ll miss out on that beautiful golden color.
• Keep the heat at medium throughout the cooking process. High heat will burn the garlic and butter before the chicken cooks through.
• I like to prep all my ingredients before I start cooking since this recipe moves quickly once you begin.
• If you want extra garlic flavor, I sometimes add an additional clove during the sauce-making step.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end – sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?

These versatile chicken tenders pair beautifully with numerous side dishes and presentation styles. For a complete meal, I love serving them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds color and nutrition to the plate.

For an elegant presentation, arrange the tenders on a platter and garnish with additional fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and perhaps a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This makes them perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of these garlic butter chicken tenders.

• Calories: 293 kcal
• Protein: 33 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 16 g

Make Ahead and Storage

These chicken tenders are best served immediately while hot and fresh from the pan.

For storage, place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter may solidify when cold, but this is completely normal.

For freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken tough and rubbery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This garlic butter chicken tender recipe has become a household favorite for so many compelling reasons.

• Lightning Fast: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly. The simple cooking method means less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: The combination of perfectly seared chicken and aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that rivals expensive restaurant meals. You’ll save money while impressing everyone with your culinary skills.
• Foolproof for Beginners: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with confidence. The straightforward steps and forgiving cooking method make it nearly impossible to mess up, yet the results always look and taste professional.
• Incredibly Versatile: These tenders work with countless side dishes and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They’re equally at home on a casual Tuesday night or elegant dinner party table.
• Healthy and Protein-Rich: Chicken tenderloins are naturally lean and provide excellent protein while the garlic butter adds just enough richness without being heavy. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.