Description
This Chicken Tenders Recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken tenderloins pan-seared to perfection with paprika, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Finished with a buttery garlic sauce and fresh parsley garnish, these tenders are tender, savory, and sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins (mini fillets)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce & Garnish
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons water (for deglazing)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Add olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan or skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in the pan and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper on the side facing up.
- Cook the first side: Cook the chicken tenders for 3 minutes on one side over medium heat to develop a golden sear.
- Flip and season: Flip the chicken tenders to the other side, seasoning the newly cooked side with paprika, salt, and pepper as well.
- Cook the second side: Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add garlic and butter: Push the chicken to one side of the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and quickly melt it. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Season and finish cooking: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken and garlic, then cook for one more minute to blend the flavors.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan and scrape the bottom to lift all the flavorful browned bits. This helps to create a delicious sauce coating the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (or basil if preferred), and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can dust the chicken tenders lightly with flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Ensure the garlic does not burn by cooking it only briefly until fragrant.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color as garnish.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American