Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are juicy, tender strips of chicken cooked quickly in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. This simple, family-friendly recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting warmth, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Easily customizable and using minimal pantry staples, it offers a versatile meal option everyone will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken tenders dry to ensure proper browning. Finely mince fresh garlic and chop fresh parsley. Having all ingredients ready before cooking helps make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken tenders on both sides with salt and pepper. This enhances natural chicken flavor and helps develop a delicious crust during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. This locks in juices and creates a lovely texture.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful to avoid burning the garlic.
- Finish with Butter and Parsley: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan, stirring until melted and fully combined with the garlic. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness. Stir gently to combine and coat the chicken evenly.
Notes
- Dry the chicken first for better searing and crispier texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Use fresh garlic to achieve vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Keep heat medium to medium-low when adding garlic and butter to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 3-4 tenders)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, family dinner, gluten free, easy chicken, savory chicken, buttery garlic sauce