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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Golden brown garlic butter chicken tenders garnished with chopped parsley, glistening in a skillet with garlic bits and a lemon wedge in the background.
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There’s something downright magical about Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders. The golden sear, the rich buttery coating, and the irresistible aroma of garlic come together in one crave-worthy bite. These chicken tenders aren’t just juicy—they’re packed with flavor that hits all the right notes: savory, comforting, and just a little indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, prepping a protein-packed meal for the week, or throwing together a last-minute dinner, this recipe has you covered. It’s fast, easy, and endlessly adaptable.

You can serve garlic butter chicken tenders as a main dish, tuck them into wraps, pile them over salads, or even serve them with pasta or rice for a heartier meal. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both elegant and comforting. That’s the beauty of garlic and butter—it elevates everything it touches.

What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clear something up: chicken tenders aren’t just cut-up chicken breasts. They’re actually the thin strip of meat located under the chicken breast, known as the pectoralis minor. They’re naturally tender—hence the name—and cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

What sets these apart is the garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple mix of melted butter and freshly minced garlic, sometimes infused with herbs or lemon for a zingy twist. This rich, savory coating clings to the chicken, giving every bite a glossy, buttery burst of flavor.

Garlic butter chicken tenders have gained popularity for good reason—they’re versatile, budget-friendly, and universally loved. Some versions include spicy seasonings, a touch of honey, or parmesan for extra flair. No matter the spin, they always deliver that satisfying combo of juicy meat and bold flavor with a hint of golden crisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make these garlic butter chicken tenders, you’ll only need a few everyday ingredients, but their quality makes all the difference. Start with boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand). Fresh garlic is key here—skip the jarred stuff if you want bold, authentic flavor. You’ll also need unsalted butter, which allows you to better control the seasoning.

Seasoning-wise, salt and black pepper are a must, but feel free to add a dash of paprika for warmth, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for herby notes, or even a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick. Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the butter with ghee for a similar richness and nutty depth. And if you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch—just use about ½ teaspoon for every clove.

Essential Equipment for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Great results don’t require fancy gear, but a few key tools can really make the process smoother. A nonstick skillet or, better yet, a cast iron pan will give your chicken that perfect golden crust. A garlic press helps save time when working with fresh cloves, while tongs make it easy to flip each piece without losing the sear.

For food safety, a meat thermometer is a smart investment—it ensures your tenders hit the magic number of 165°F without overcooking.

Pro Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for the crispiest sear and richest flavor. It holds heat beautifully and gives your tenders a restaurant-quality finish.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Making garlic butter chicken tenders is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels—this is essential for getting that golden crust. Season them on both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite add-ons like paprika or garlic powder. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take the chill off. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Tenders

Heat a bit of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use your thermometer to confirm the internal temp hits 165°F.

Expert Tip: Avoid constantly flipping the tenders. Let them sit undisturbed so they develop that gorgeous crust.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the tenders to one side of the skillet and add your butter and freshly minced garlic to the other side. Let it sizzle gently—don’t let the garlic burn! Once it’s fragrant, toss everything together so the chicken is fully coated.

You can spoon the garlic butter over the tenders for extra shine and flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated parmesan for that final flourish. Serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy.

Pro Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or lemon juice after adding the garlic. It lifts up those flavorful browned bits and makes the sauce even better.

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Can I Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders in the Oven or Air Fryer?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for hands-off options, both the oven and air fryer work great.

For the oven, preheat to 400°F and bake the tenders on a lined baking sheet for about 18–20 minutes. Finish under the broiler for 2 minutes to crisp them up.

In the air fryer, set it to 375°F and cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Once cooked, toss them in warm garlic butter to get that rich flavor coating without drying them out. This method is especially helpful for batch cooking or meal prep.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Every Time

Getting juicy, flavorful garlic butter chicken tenders comes down to a few key techniques—and once you master them, you’ll never go back to bland chicken again.

First, always use fresh garlic. The difference in aroma and flavor is huge compared to pre-minced or powdered versions. For maximum flavor, press or finely mince it just before cooking.

Make sure to pat your chicken tenders dry before seasoning. Removing moisture helps them sear instead of steam, giving you that golden, slightly crispy exterior. Speaking of searing—don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each tender space so it browns evenly.

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When it comes to the butter, skip the margarine. Real butter not only tastes better but browns beautifully in the pan, creating that signature nutty richness.

Pro Tip: Let the butter brown just slightly before adding the garlic—this deepens the flavor and gives your tenders a toasty finish you’ll crave again and again.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

Garlic butter is a flavorful base, but you can easily customize your chicken tenders to suit your taste or mood.

Want something sweet and savory? Drizzle in a bit of honey to create sticky garlic butter tenders with a hint of caramelized flavor. Craving heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha for a spicy kick.

If you prefer an herbaceous twist, toss in dried or fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary while the butter simmers. The herbs infuse the sauce and add a lovely aromatic layer.

For something extra indulgent, finish the tenders with a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a touch of lemon zest to brighten things up.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

These juicy tenders pair beautifully with a wide variety of sides, so you can turn them into a full meal with ease.

For comfort food vibes, serve them with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles. If you want to balance out the richness, go with roasted vegetables, a crisp Caesar salad, or even mac and cheese for something indulgent.

Looking to dip? These tenders pair perfectly with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for a flavor-packed bite.

Pro Tip: Try piling them into a toasted sandwich bun with melted cheese, lettuce, and a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce for an unbeatable homemade chicken melt.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Leftovers? No problem—garlic butter chicken tenders store and reheat beautifully if done right.

Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, skip the microwave (which can make them rubbery) and go for the skillet instead—just warm them gently over medium heat with a touch of butter. This helps bring back that juicy texture and glossy finish.

Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to get the exterior nice and crisp again. If you’re meal-prepping, this method works especially well.

Can You Freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?

Yes, these chicken tenders are freezer-friendly—perfect for make-ahead meals.

After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then lay them out in a single layer with parchment paper between layers inside a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and keeps the coating intact.

When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using a skillet or air fryer. For best flavor and texture, eat within 1 month of freezing.

Freezing after cooking ensures they stay juicy and don’t dry out when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are chicken tenders the same as chicken breasts?

No. Chicken tenders are a specific, more tender muscle found underneath the breast. They’re smaller, cook faster, and are naturally juicy—making them ideal for quick meals.

How do you keep chicken tenders moist and juicy?

Avoid overcooking and always use a meat thermometer. Cooking them to exactly 165°F and finishing them in garlic butter locks in flavor and moisture.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, but keep in mind that fresh garlic offers a stronger, more vibrant flavor. If needed, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic.

What is the best pan for garlic butter tenders?

A cast iron skillet is best. It gets hotter than nonstick pans and holds heat evenly, which is ideal for achieving a crisp, golden sear on each tender.

Can I make this dish low-carb or keto?

Definitely! There’s no breading involved, and it pairs beautifully with keto sides like cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or sautéed greens.

Close-up of golden crispy garlic butter chicken tenders topped with chopped parsley and sesame seeds, served on a dark plate with melted garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Masters of kitchen
These juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are pan-seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or family-friendly meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or nonstick pan
  • Tongs
  • Garlic press
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • lbs chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 –4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated parmesan optional topping

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds), being careful not to burn it.
  • Coat the Tenders: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss well in the garlic butter until fully coated and heated through.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional grated parmesan. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn't available—start with ½ teaspoon.
  • For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
  • Want heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic butter.
  • Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge—great for meal prep!

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword garlic butter chicken tenders, juicy chicken tenders, quick chicken dinner, skillet chicken tenders
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Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a go-to dinner that’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are it. From the buttery sear to the bold garlic infusion, these tenders are everything you want in a comfort food—without the hassle.

They’re easy to customize, great for meal prep, and universally loved by kids and adults alike. Plus, with oven and air fryer options, they’re adaptable to any kitchen setup.

Give them a try and don’t forget to share your version in the comments—whether you added heat, herbs, or piled them onto a sandwich, we’d love to know how you made it your own!

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