Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Juicy chicken tenderloins cooked quickly in a rich garlic butter sauce with paprika and Italian seasoning, perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle fruity flavor
- 2 tablespoons butter divided – brings richness and helps create a golden crust
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (chicken mini fillets) – tender and quick-cooking pieces of chicken
- 2 teaspoons paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color
- ½ teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper provides mild heat and depth
- 4 cloves garlic minced or crushed – infuses the dish with intense garlic aroma and taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for an herby undertone
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped – for garnish and a fresh pop of color
Instructions
- Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the chicken pieces, rubbing gently to coat them well.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt completely and the oil heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This combination of oil and butter creates the perfect cooking environment, preventing the butter from burning while adding flavor.
- Add the seasoned chicken tenderloins to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan – cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown and starts to release easily from the pan.Flip the chicken over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
- Return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter sauce to coat thoroughly. Allow the chicken to warm in the sauce for a minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Transfer the garlic butter chicken tenders to a serving dish. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Paper Towels
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crispier edges. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming. Use fresh garlic for best flavor, and control heat carefully to prevent burning the butter and garlic. Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra sauce, double the butter and garlic quantities. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat, cream for a creamy sauce, swapping herbs, adding lemon zest, or topping with Parmesan cheese. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with vegan butter or olive oil.