Dinner

Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe

Byrami Hayes March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

Introduction

These chicken tenders are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. With a simple blend of spices and a garlicky butter sauce, they make dinner easy and delicious.

A round pan filled with cooked chicken breasts arranged close to each other, each piece golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, coated in a layer of reddish-orange sauce with visible oil and seasoning bits. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs, adding a touch of color contrast to the warm tones of the meat and sauce. The pan’s interior shows a mix of browned bits of cooked spices and herbs settled between the chicken pieces on a shiny metal surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins (chicken mini fillets)
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan or skillet over medium heat until melted.
Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the pan and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, seasoning each side as they cook to build flavor.
Step 4: Push the chicken to one side of the pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter, then add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken and garlic, then cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. This adds rich flavor to the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (or basil) and serve the chicken tenders warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
Swap chicken tenderloins for strips of chicken breast if preferred.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.