Why You Will Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce. These chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, and they’re so easy to make that even kitchen newbies will feel like pros. Best of all, you only need simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Ingredient Prep Guide
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. If using chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch-thick strips. Mince the garlic finely so it melts into the butter sauce without leaving chunks. Chop the parsley just before cooking to keep it fresh and bright. Measure all spices beforehand to save time while cooking.
Equipment & Tools
- Large skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken tenders. Rub the spices into the meat with your hands to ensure every piece is coated.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in half the parsley.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic butter sauce for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle remaining parsley on top. Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving – this helps the flavors soak in!
Key Details
Total Time: 30 mins (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 4 people
⚙️ Equipment: Skillet, tongs, measuring spoons
Serving Suggestions
Serve these garlic butter chicken tenders over mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter meal, pair them with roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans. They’re also great sliced on top of salads or tucked into wraps with lettuce and ranch dressing.
Pro Tips
**Don’t rush the garlic:** Garlic burns easily! Keep the heat medium-low when sautéing it, and stir constantly. If it starts turning golden too fast, remove the skillet from the heat for a few seconds to cool down.
**Batch cooking is key:** Overcrowding the skillet steams the chicken instead of browning it. Give each tender space to sear for that perfect crispy texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tenders rubbery.
Troubleshooting
**Chicken is chewy:** If the tenders feel tough, they might be overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F – remove them from heat as soon as they hit this temp.
**Sauce is too thin:** Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in 1–2 tbsp of heavy cream at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! Thaw them completely in the fridge first, and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
Can I substitute dried parsley?
Fresh parsley is best here, but in a pinch, use 1 tbsp dried parsley. Add it when you cook the garlic to let it rehydrate.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The sauce will be less rich but still tasty!
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken tenders. Rub the spices into the meat with your hands to ensure every piece is coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in half the parsley.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic butter sauce for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle remaining parsley on top. Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving – this helps the flavors soak in!
