Amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Under 30 Min

Name: Amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Under 30 Min
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh herbs like parsley); 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving

by Fenna Saul

September 23, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Garlic butter chicken tenders have become my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made these, the aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in the pan filled my kitchen, promising something truly delicious. It felt like a restaurant-quality dish but was so simple to whip up! These easy garlic butter chicken tenders are perfect for those busy evenings when you need a flavorful and fuss-free option. They’re a fantastic way to elevate your usual chicken routine and make a wonderful garlic butter chicken tenders for dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons:

The flavor is absolutely divine – a rich garlic butter sauce coats every piece of tender chicken.
It’s incredibly quick! You can have these easy garlic butter chicken tenders on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This recipe is very budget-friendly, using simple, common ingredients.
It’s a crowd-pleaser! Even picky eaters will devour these chicken tenders.
These easy garlic butter chicken tenders are versatile and pair well with almost any side dish.
The simple preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Ingredients

Gathering the right garlic butter chicken tenders ingredients is the first step to creating this incredibly flavorful dish. I always make sure to have these on hand for a quick dinner. The star, of course, is the chicken itself – about 1 lb chicken tenders, patted dry for a better sear. Then comes the magic: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, which forms the base of our luscious sauce. You’ll need 4 cloves garlic, minced; don’t skimp here, as the garlic is key to that irresistible aroma and taste. For seasoning, I use 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or whatever fresh herbs you have on hand, like parsley), 1 teaspoon paprika for a hint of color and warmth, and of course, salt and pepper, to taste. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon wedges, for serving to brighten everything up!

Amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Under 30 Min - Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders - additional detail

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Ready to create the best garlic butter chicken tenders? It’s surprisingly simple! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for even cooking, whether you’re making pan-fried garlic butter chicken tenders or baking them.
Step 2: Take your chicken tenders and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This might seem small, but it’s a game-changer for getting a nice sear. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure each tender is evenly coated – this is where a lot of the flavor starts!
Step 3: Now, let’s get that skillet ready. Melt the 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s melted and starts to shimmer.
Step 4: Add the 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the melted butter. Sauté this for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly. You want it to become fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it – burnt garlic tastes bitter! The aroma will be amazing.
Step 5: Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders into the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 6: About a minute before the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs over the tenders in the skillet.
Step 7: This is where the magic happens! Continuously spoon or baste the chicken tenders with that glorious garlic butter sauce from the pan. This helps infuse even more flavor and keeps them wonderfully moist.
Step 8: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet. Let them rest on a clean plate for a few minutes. This resting period is super important to keep them juicy and tender.
Step 9: Finally, plate your masterpiece! Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken tenders. If you have some fresh parsley or other herbs, a little garnish makes these homemade garlic butter chicken tenders look and taste even more spectacular. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Want to elevate your garlic butter chicken tenders game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference.

Always pat your chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning. This ensures a better sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect golden-brown crust on your garlic butter chicken tenders.
Fresh garlic is truly best here. While dried garlic powder can work in a pinch, the fresh minced garlic provides that authentic, pungent flavor we love. For more information on garlic’s health benefits, you can check out Healthline.
Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly moist and tender.

What’s the secret to perfect garlic butter chicken tenders?

The real secret to achieving perfectly crispy garlic butter chicken tenders is ensuring the chicken is dry and the pan is hot before adding it. Also, don’t stir too much; let each side get a nice sear.

Can I make garlic butter chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken by seasoning and even starting the sauce base ahead of time. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend cooking them right before serving. You can find more meal prep tips on The Recipefy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with garlic butter chicken tenders?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of searing. Another mistake is overcooking, which makes the chicken dry. If you find your chicken tenders are soggy, it’s usually because they weren’t patted dry enough or the pan wasn’t hot enough. For more cooking techniques, explore resources on culinary arts.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

These incredibly flavorful garlic butter chicken tenders are so versatile, they pair wonderfully with almost anything! For a classic comfort meal, I love serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Another fantastic option is to serve them with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete, balanced dinner. If you’re looking for something to really highlight the sauce, consider making extra garlic butter chicken tenders with garlic sauce and serving it as a dipping sauce alongside some crusty bread for mopping up every last bit. They’re also great over a bed of pasta or even tossed into a fresh salad!

Amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Under 30 Min - Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

When enjoying these delicious garlic butter chicken tenders, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. Here’s a general breakdown per serving, keeping in mind these are estimates and can vary slightly based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

One of the best things about making these homemade garlic butter chicken tenders is how well they store for later. Once they’ve cooled down completely, I like to put them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, which is perfect for meal prep. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, I usually go for the skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to create some steam and help loosen up that delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also reheat them gently in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but I find the skillet or oven gives the best texture for these tender bites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

What are garlic butter chicken tenders?

Garlic butter chicken tenders are simply chicken tenderloins that have been pan-fried or baked and then coated in a rich, savory sauce made primarily from butter and garlic. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy chicken in a flavorful, comforting way that feels a bit more special than plain chicken breast.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! If you don’t have tenders, you can cut chicken breasts into similar-sized strips or bites. Just be mindful that breast meat can dry out a bit faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time. For other chicken recipes, check out The Recipefy.

How do I make my butter garlic chicken tenders extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure you pat your chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning and cooking. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; give the chicken plenty of space to sear properly. A hotter pan initially can also help achieve a crispy exterior.

What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken tenders?

These tenders are incredibly versatile! They are delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a fresh Caesar salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Rice pilaf is also a great option to complement the rich flavor.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic garlic butter chicken tenders, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a coating before pan-frying. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also transform these into delicious garlic butter chicken strips by cutting the chicken into larger pieces or even making savory garlic butter chicken bites by cubing the chicken small. For a healthier twist, try baking these instead of pan-frying, though you might miss out on some of that crispy exterior I love so much!