Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Straight to the top of my favourite quick way to use chicken tenders – Garlic Butter Chicken! Using tenders rather than pricey steaks with a classic sauce, this has all the flavour of real Steakhouse Chicken at a fraction of the cost. I’ve made simple plates, but you can also do noodles, wraps, salads or sandwiches (so versatile!).

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I pride myself on finding interesting-crazy-tasty-but-quick ways to use chicken. It’s just such a shopping trolley staple – economical and versatile, but sometimes the most appealing thing to me is that there is no bone chopping. Is it shameful for someone who makes a living sharing recipes to admit that? 😅

Garlic Butter Chicken, for those new to it, is one of the world’s most famous comfort flavors, a pan-seared dish cooked in skillet until golden and savory. The traditional home-cooked way it’s served is with potatoes and veggies on the side (side dishes like mash, green beans, corn) or in pasta bowl form.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

This ingredient list stays simple and reliable for repeat cooking.

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How to make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

This recipe cooks quickly in one pan and stays relaxed throughout.

1. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Heat the pan

Place a wide skillet over medium heat and add olive oil with one tablespoon of butter.

3. Cook the chicken

Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook until lightly golden, then flip and cook until done.

4. Remove and rest

Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm while finishing the sauce.

5. Add garlic

Lower the heat and add remaining butter to the same pan, followed by minced garlic.

6. Build the sauce

Stir gently as the garlic softens and releases aroma without browning.

7. Return chicken

Place the chicken back into the pan and spoon garlic butter over each piece.

8. Finish and garnish

Cook briefly, then remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

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How to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

These tenders pair well with sides that stay simple. Mashed potatoes soak up the garlic butter beautifully and make the plate feel complete. Rice or pasta works well for catching the sauce, while roasted vegetables add balance.

Leftovers reheat easily and keep their flavor. The garlic butter settles into the chicken overnight, making next day meals just as satisfying.

Recipe Tips

• Dry the chicken before seasoning for better browning.
• Keep the heat moderate to protect the garlic.
• Use a wide pan to avoid crowding.
• Stir the garlic gently.
• Finish with parsley for freshness.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Recipe by Amara CatherineCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter divided

• 5 garlic cloves minced

• Fresh parsley chopped

Directions

• Season the chicken:
  Pat the chicken tenderloins dry, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat the pan:
  Place a wide skillet over medium heat and add olive oil with one tablespoon of butter.
• Cook the chicken:
  Add chicken tenders in a single layer and cook until lightly golden, then flip and cook until done.
• Remove and rest:
  Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm while finishing the sauce.
• Add garlic:
  Lower the heat and add remaining butter to the same pan, followed by minced garlic.
• Build the sauce:
  Stir gently as the garlic softens and releases aroma without browning.
• Return chicken:
  Place the chicken back into the pan and spoon garlic butter over each piece.
• Finish and garnish:
  Cook briefly, then remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.