Garlic butter Chicken Tenders
This recipe is a total weeknight winner. It’s done in under 20 minutes and uses pantry staples you probably already have. But what makes it really special is the way the garlic butter coats each tender, giving them a golden, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Servings: 4
Calories: 243kcal
Equipment
- Large skillet (I prefer cast iron or stainless steel for a nice sear)
- Tongs or spatula for flipping
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels (to pat the chicken dry)
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to add a hint of acidity
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming. Season all over with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Let it melt completely and start to bubble.
- Place the chicken tenders in the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and spoon it over the chicken as it melts. Turn off the heat. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry — it really makes a difference in how well it browns.
- If your butter starts browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and keep things moving in the pan.
- For meal prep: Store chicken separately and add lemon and parsley just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 782mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
