Juicy, golden garlic butter chicken tenders seared to perfection in a rich, savory sauce—perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of clever pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients can come together to make something truly unforgettable. Each component in this recipe brings a special punch of flavor or texture that’ll make your Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders shine.
- Chicken Tenders (1.5 lbs): Choose high-quality tenders for maximum juiciness and quick, even cooking.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): This forms the heart of the rich, silky sauce—use real butter for best flavor.
- Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with that irresistible aroma and warmth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky depth and a touch of color to the tenders.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall savoriness without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp—these basics help all the other flavors pop!
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For an extra layer of richness and a beautiful sear on the chicken.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a burst of color.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving, optional): A little squeeze at the end brightens everything up delightfully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This small step helps get that golden sear we all crave! Sprinkle both sides of each tender with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Gently press the seasonings in to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Tenders
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and half the butter. Once the butter has melted and the pan is shimmering, add your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer. Avoid crowding so they develop that lovely caramelized edge. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, just until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the tenders to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter straight into the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t walk away! This is when the magic happens and the base for your buttery, garlicky sauce comes together.
Step 4: Coat and Finish
Slide the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet, letting them soak up all that garlicky, golden butter. Use a spoon to baste the sauce over each piece, simmering for another 1-2 minutes. The aroma at this stage is completely irresistible! Now you’re ready to serve hot and fresh.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
No need for anything fancy, but a handful of chopped fresh parsley brings a gorgeous pop of color and light herbal note that pairs beautifully with the richness. For extra brightness, tuck a few lemon wedges on the side and let everyone squeeze their own to taste!
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are super versatile, but I love serving them alongside buttery mashed potatoes, simple steamed rice, or a pile of crisp roasted veggies. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the tenders onto toasted buns for easy garlic chicken sandwiches, slicing them over a leafy green bowl, or even using them as protein-packed wraps stuffed with your favorite veggies. They also make an awesome appetizer when cut into bite-sized pieces and served with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders store beautifully! Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, staying flavorful and moist.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these tenders freeze well. Spread cooled pieces on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
The best way to bring them back to their juicy best is gently warming them in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter. This keeps them from drying out and helps revive that wonderful garlic butter sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thicker pieces take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a great option for anyone avoiding gluten! Just be sure your spices and condiments are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! After searing the chicken, try tossing in quick-cooking veggies like baby spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them in the garlicky butter before returning the chicken to the pan for even more deliciousness.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No parsley, no worries! You can sprinkle on a little dried parsley or even substitute with fresh chives or basil for a different twist. Or simply skip the garnish; the chicken is still super flavorful on its own.
Is this recipe spicy?
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are more savory than spicy, thanks to the mild heat of paprika and aromatic garlic. If you love a bit of a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, give these Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders a try. They never fail to impress—even the pickiest eaters! You might just find yourself reaching for this simple recipe anytime you want a meal that feels special but couldn’t be easier to make.
More Chicken Dinners You’ll Want on Repeat
If these Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders hit the spot, you’ll love these easy and flavorful chicken dinners to keep the momentum going:
- Turn up the heat with Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats — a spicy, low-carb twist on comfort food.
- For creamy richness in every bite, try the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese — a flavor bomb you won’t forget.
- Craving a casserole? The Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole is meaty, melty, and easy to prep.
- Get cozy with Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy — a Southern classic with bold flavor.
- Simplify dinner with the hearty One-Pot Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, perfect for weeknights.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, golden garlic butter chicken tenders seared to perfection in a rich, savory sauce—perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Flavor & Garnish:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder to ensure each piece is well coated with flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter with the olive oil. Swirl to blend and allow the butter to become foamy but not brown.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken tenders and any juices back to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter over the tenders and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and juicy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly—avoid overcooking for the juiciest results.
- Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- This recipe also works with thinly sliced chicken breasts if you don’t have tenders.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 415 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg