Description
Mouthwatering Chicken Tenders are a quick dinner idea that tastes like your favorite restaurant but comes together in one skillet at home. Juicy chicken strips are seared until golden, then simmered in a glossy garlic honey butter sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, potatoes, or veggies. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, kid friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights when you need simple food ideas that still feel special—perfect for quick breakfast leftovers in wraps, easy dinner meal prep, healthy snack protein boxes, or anytime you need new breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, or a reliable easy recipe for your weekly meal plan.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated in the marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium high heat until hot.
4. Add the marinated chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer, shaking off excess marinade as you go. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches if needed.
5. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving it so it can develop a golden sear.
6. Flip each tender and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F 74°C in the thickest part.
7. Reduce the heat to medium low. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and add the unsalted butter.
8. Let the sauce bubble gently, stirring and spooning it over the chicken as it thickens into a glossy, slightly syrupy glaze that coats the tenders.
9. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and herbs.
10. Serve the chicken tenders hot with extra sauce spooned over the top and your favorite sides alongside.
Notes
For the juiciest chicken tenders, avoid overcooking—pull them from the skillet as soon as they reach 165°F 74°C and let them rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute and stay inside the meat instead of running out on the plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: mouthwatering chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, quick dinner, family friendly meal, honey garlic chicken, chicken tenders recipe, dinner ideas, easy recipe