Suitable for Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
Easy Chicken Tenders
Cooking chicken tenders in a skillet over high heat means they are ready to serve in about 15 minutes. The perfect solution for quick lunches and busy weeknight dinners. Like my easy Grilled Chicken Tenders, and Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, these are super flavorful chicken fingers are a healthier alternative to the typical breaded and fried chicken strips, so you can make these every week and feel confident that your family is getting a healthy meal that tastes great.
Why Make This Recipe
Fast – This chicken tenders recipe is done in about 15 minutes. Versatile – Chicken tender recipes are perfect for picky eaters and you can serve them with just about any of your favorite side dishes. Meal Prep – Make a big batch and keep these chicken strips on hand all week for an easy lunch. Pack them in lunch boxes or serve them over salad for a filling lunch option.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Tenders – Purchase prepackaged chicken tenders or cut your own from chicken breast following our how-to guide below. Spices – Onion powder, salt, dried thyme, black pepper and smoked paprika combine to give these chicken tenders incredible flavor. Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will work here. Olive Oil – Or use any light, neutral-flavored oil. Garlic – Fresh garlic is much more flavorful than garlic in a jar. Chicken Broth – You can also substitute vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Lemon – Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor to these chicken strips.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders technically refer to a specific section of the chicken breast separated by a thin membrane. When you buy whole chicken breasts, this piece is usually still attached, or you can purchase a tray of chicken tenders from the grocer. Chicken tenderloins can be a bit more expensive than buying whole chicken breasts, so breasts are often cut into strips which are also called chicken tenders. Common names for the same thing may include chicken strips, tenders, tenderloins, chicken fingers, chicken fillets, goujons, and chicken tendies. Ready to make this delicious garlic butter chicken tenders recipe? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…
How To Make Chicken Tenders
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Place chicken and dry seasonings in a bowl, and toss to combine.Melt the butter and oil in a skillet. Add in the chicken and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F / 74C.Transfer the chicken to a plate, then add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until reduced. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Then serve and enjoy!
How To Cut Chicken Tenders
Select boneless, skinless chicken breast and trim off the excess fat.Slice against the grain and cut the breast into strips of equal length and thickness.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400F / 200C. Place chicken and dry seasonings in a bowl, and toss to combine.Lightly spray the basket and carefully arrange the dry seasoned chicken, being careful not to crowd the tray.Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway though. Cook in batches if needed. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by combining butter, garlic, lemon juice and chicken broth in a skillet. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and coat with the sauce before serving.
Pro Tips
Use a knife and cutting board dedicated to poultry and wash it in hot, soapy water immediately after use. Combine the chicken and dry seasonings in a bowl or a zip-top bag. Discard any leftover seasoning that has come in contact with the chicken. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Tent the chicken with foil while the sauce cooks to help keep it warm.When you deglaze the pan with the chicken stock, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Delicious Variations
Swap Seasonings – Use an Italian seasoning blend or any of your favorite seasonings for the base of this recipe. Add White Wine – Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the stock and the lemon juice. It will give these chicken strips an amazing flavor. Make into Sandwiches – Pile these chicken strips onto a roll or bun for a tasty sandwich.Use in Salads – Slice, shred, or leave whole and serve on top of your favorite salad.
Prep And Storage
Prep Ahead – Season the chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Slice the chicken tenders and freeze them in packets that you can defrost and cook later. Store – Leftover chicken tenderloins can be stored in airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze – Follow the handy tips below for how to freeze;Place uncooked seasoned chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and keep in freezer for up to 6 months.Defrost overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed.Freeze cooked chicken strips for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Loaded Greek Fries.Garlic Smashed Potatoes.Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.Smothered Potatoes.
More Chicken Tenders Recipes You May Like
Grilled Chicken Tenders. <= so quick and easy.Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. <= healthier and a great variationInstant Pot Chicken Tenders. <= adds Mediterranean flavor to your meals.Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders. <= Favorite of the kids.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this. Thank you for reading my chicken tenderloins recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
