Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tender Recipes

Chicken tenders are so easy to cook. I always make them on busy weeknights as they’re ready in no time, and everyone in my family loves them. Sometimes I take out my grill pan and quickly make these grilled chicken tenders. And when I’m craving crunchy restaurant-style chicken tenders, I either make the crunchy buttermilk fried version or the healthier oven-baked chicken tenders. If I’m not making a large batch, I make them in the air fryer. And another favorite recipe is these unbreaded garlic butter chicken tenders that I make in a skillet. They turn out so juicy, tender, and the garlic and butter make these tenders so special!

What are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are known as chicken mini fillets in the UK. Many people think that chicken tenders are just thin strips of chicken breast. But a chicken tender is a cut of meat found underneath and attached to the chicken breast, it’s the most tender part of the chicken breast even though it’s so small. Every chicken has 2 tenders, they’re moist and tender when cooked properly. You can find chicken tenders sold separately from chicken breasts in supermarkets on trays, so you can buy a tray with 10-20 chicken tenders to grill up, fry, or bake. They are also known as chicken strips, tendies, and chicken fillets. So if you’re like me, and you prefer home cooked food, grab a tray of chicken tenders next time you go grocery shopping and make this recipe!

The Ingredients

Chicken tenders – if using frozen, then thaw in the fridge overnight. You can use a boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips. Butter and olive oil – Olive oil gives the tenders a great flavor, but can be substituted with any neutral oil. Garlic – fresh garlic and lots of it! If using jarred, use 1 and half teaspoon of jarred garlic for every garlic clove. Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning – I always make my own homemade Italian seasoning blend, it’s so easy to make, healthier, and cheaper than store-bought.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Top Tips

Don’t overcook the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly (about 30-60 seconds), and burnt garlic tastes terrible so keep an eye on it as you cook. Don’t overcook the chicken tenders, they cook so quickly and if they’re overcooked they can turn out stringy, dry, and tough. To create a flavorful sauce, make sure to deglaze the pan with a splash of water as that’s where the flavor is.

Common Questions About Chicken Tenders

What Should I Serve With Chicken Tenders?

Garlic butter pasta pairs SO well with these tenders! Homemade coleslaw Oven-baked French fries with the best ever French fry seasoning! For a healthier version of fries, try these delicious rutabaga fries! Ans for the sauce, try my copycat cane’s sauce! Red potato salad Basil pesto Homemade caesar salad Chick-Fil-A Sauce