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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe | Crispy, Juicy & Delicious

I just finished making these garlic butter chicken tenders recipe, and I’m genuinely excited to share how good they turned out. The aroma that filled my kitchen was so comforting buttery, garlicky, and warm. This recipe came together in minutes, and the tenders stayed unbelievably juicy.

I love meals like this because they feel special without requiring complicated steps. If you enjoy quick, flavorful dinners, you’re going to love this one as much as I did. You can also enjoy similar flavors in the One Pot Turkey Stroganoff Recipe for a hearty weeknight option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious chicken tenders:

1 pound chicken tenderloins — tenderloins cook evenly and stay juicy; if using chicken breasts, slice them into even strips.
1 teaspoon paprika — adds color and mild smoky depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — brings a balanced mix of herbs to brighten the dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder — enhances savory flavor without overpowering the garlic.
Salt and black pepper to taste — essential for seasoning and balance.
1 tablespoon olive oil — helps achieve that beautiful golden sear.
3 tablespoons butter, divided — creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats the tenders.
5 garlic cloves, minced — fresh garlic is key for that classic garlic-butter flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley — for a fresh, colorful finish.

Note: This ingredient list makes about 4 servings. You can pair these tenders with pasta dishes like the Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe for a full Italian-inspired dinner.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe based on your taste or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or ghee for a similar richness.
Extra zesty: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Spicy version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Herb-focused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Low-fat: Reduce butter to 1–2 tablespoons and add a splash of chicken broth.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet: For searing and cooking the tenders evenly.
Tongs: Helps flip and remove chicken without tearing it.
Small mixing bowl: For combining spices and seasoning.
Knife and cutting board: Needed if slicing chicken breasts.
Meat thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken reaches 165°F.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

A few quick steps are all you need. Here’s how I made them at home.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry, which helps them sear properly. Mix paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the chicken evenly in this seasoning so every bite is packed with flavor.

Searing the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook without moving it for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden. This step gives the tenders their crisp edges and juicy interior.

Making the Garlic Butter

Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, then melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Stir gently to avoid burning, allowing the garlic to turn fragrant and lightly golden.

Bringing It All Together

Return the chicken tenders to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Let them simmer for a minute so all the flavors soak in. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for freshness and color, and serve warm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I personally do each time to make this recipe even tastier:

I let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
I always use a cast-iron skillet because it creates the best sear and gives the chicken a restaurant-style finish.
I stay close to the pan when cooking garlic because it burns quickly and can taste bitter if overdone.
I add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to keep the tenders moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

You can serve these tenders with almost anything. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, sautéed veggies, or a fresh salad. I like serving them in a shallow bowl so the garlic butter pools at the bottom — it makes the dish look rich and inviting. A sprinkle of parsley or lemon zest takes the presentation to the next level.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot per serving (approximate):

Calories: ~227 kcal
Protein: ~27 g
Carbohydrates: ~3 g
Fat: ~13 g

This makes it a great low-carb and high-protein meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

After cooking, let the chicken cool completely. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 3 months. Lay them flat in a freezer bag or container to prevent sticking and preserve texture.

Reheating

Warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to revive moisture and keep the chicken tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dish becomes a regular in anyone’s kitchen:

It’s incredibly fast. You can make it in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
It tastes restaurant-level delicious without requiring fancy techniques or ingredients.
It’s flexible and customizable, so you can adjust flavors to your taste.
It works for meal prep, staying juicy even after reheating.
It pairs with almost anything, making it a perfect go-to dinner option.

Ben Carraoli