10+ Chicken Tenderloin Recipes for Quick and Tasty Meals

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile and delicious option for any meal. They can be prepared in many ways, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Chicken tenderloin recipes can be both simple and satisfying, offering a range of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

From oven-baked options to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you are looking for a quick dinner solution or a meal prep idea, chicken tenderloins can fit the bill.

With just a few ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, you can create delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends.

1) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic butter chicken tenders are a deliciously simple dish you can make for dinner. They are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic butter sauce. You can cook them on the stovetop in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.

To start, gather fresh chicken tenderloins. You’ll also need garlic, butter, and a few seasonings. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich taste that makes the chicken irresistible.

These tenders go well with a side of veggies or rice. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

2) Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Oven baked chicken tenderloins are a simple and tasty dish you can make quickly. They are juicy and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight meal. You can have them ready in under 30 minutes.

To make them, start with tenderloins and season them to your liking. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any of your favorite spices. Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps them cook evenly.

These chicken tenderloins come out moist and tender. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside vegetables for a complete meal. They are sure to be a hit with your family!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the chicken tenderloins on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

3) Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloin with Spices

Cooking pan-seared chicken tenderloins is simple and quick. You can prepare them in under 10 minutes.

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix gives the chicken a flavorful kick.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned tenderloins. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

This dish goes well with rice or a fresh salad, making it a great choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken tenderloins to the skillet.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

4) Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Tenderloins

This quick chicken stir-fry is perfect for busy nights. You will love how fast it comes together. Using chicken tenderloins makes the dish tender and delicious.

Start by slicing your chicken tenderloins into thin strips. You can use a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Season the stir-fry with soy sauce and honey for extra flavor. Cook everything in a hot pan with a little olive oil. It only takes about 10 minutes to have a tasty meal ready.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice chicken tenderloins into thin strips.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C).
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Mix in soy sauce and honey. Stir until well combined and heated through. Enjoy!

5) Oven Baked Chicken Tenderloins with No Breading

Cooking oven-baked chicken tenderloins without breading is simple and quick. This method keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

To make these tenderloins, season your chicken simply. A mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs creates a tasty result. Baking them at 400°F (200°C) ensures they cook evenly and stay moist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.
3. Coat the chicken tenderloins in the seasoning mixture.
4. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

6) Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

Extra crispy fried chicken tenders are a delicious treat that everyone loves. They are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. You can make these in under 30 minutes.

To get that extra crispiness, start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. This helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.

Coat the tenders in a seasoned flour mixture for a tasty crunch.

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying. Fry the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure they get that perfect golden-brown color.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, paprika, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture.
5. Fry the tenders until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

7) Truly Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are baked to perfection, offering a crispy texture without the mess of frying. By using Panko breadcrumbs, you get that extra crunch you crave. Toasting the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken makes them even better.

You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare these tenders. They cook in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush each tenderloin with olive oil.
4. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the tenders on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

8) Air Fried Crumbed Chicken Tenderloins

Air fried crumbed chicken tenderloins are a delicious option for a quick meal. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Using an air fryer makes them healthier and cuts down on cooking time.

To prepare, you will first dip the tenderloins in an egg wash. Then, coat them with breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.

These tenderloins are great served with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside fresh veggies. Enjoy them as a tasty weeknight dinner or a fun snack!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dip each chicken tenderloin in the beaten egg.
3. Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
4. Place tenderloins in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them.
5. Spray lightly with olive oil.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Check for doneness and serve warm.

9) Healthy Chicken Tender Salad

This Healthy Chicken Tender Salad is a tasty way to enjoy chicken while getting your veggies in. You can use grilled or baked chicken tenders to make it lighter.

Start with a base of fresh greens like romaine or kale. Add your favorite chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The crunchiness of the veggies complements the juicy chicken.

For a simple dressing, mix olive oil and lemon juice or try a light honey mustard dressing. This keeps the salad flavorful without being heavy.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cooked chicken tenders (grilled or baked)
• 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook your chicken tenders according to package instructions or grill them.
2. Chop the romaine and place it in a large bowl.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
4. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the salad.
5. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

10) Tangy Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloins

You will love these tangy lemon herb chicken tenderloins. They are juicy and packed with flavor. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright taste that makes this dish perfect for any meal.

To prepare, start by marinating your tenderloins in lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of herbs. Thyme and rosemary work wonderfully here. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your skillet to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

These tenderloins are delicious served over rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate tenderloins in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat skillet to 375°F (190°C).
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.