Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden-brown garlic butter chicken tenders that are bursting with rich, buttery flavor and aromatic garlic in every bite. These irresistible garlic butter chicken tenders transform ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary experience that both kids and adults will crave. The magic happens when tender chicken strips meet a luxurious garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful, plus discover simple techniques to elevate this dish to restaurant quality right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic butter chicken tenders are bound to become a weeknight favorite for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the juicy, tender interior creates an irresistible textural experience. The rich garlic butter sauce adds a velvety coating that clings to each tender, infusing them with flavor that’s both bold and comforting.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can serve these tenders as an appetizer, main course, or even slice them up for salads and wraps. They cook up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, and herbs creates an aroma that will fill your kitchen and have everyone asking when dinner will be ready. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it both economical and convenient. The flavors are sophisticated enough for adults while remaining accessible for even the pickiest little eaters.

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders:

• 1½ pounds (680g) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

The chicken tenderloins are the star of this dish—try to find ones that are uniform in size for even cooking. Fresh garlic is essential for the butter sauce; it provides a much more vibrant flavor than garlic powder. Panko breadcrumbs create that perfectly light, crispy coating that makes these buttery garlic chicken strips irresistible.

Pro Tips

Master the Breading Process
The key to perfectly crispy garlic butter chicken tenders lies in the breading technique. Set up a three-station breading system: flour mixture, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to prevent the dreaded “breading fingers.” After coating, let the tenders rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking—this helps the coating adhere better for maximum crispiness.

Temperature Control Is Crucial
When pan-frying the chicken tenders, maintain medium-high heat throughout the cooking process. If the pan is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cool, and the tenders will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Look for a golden-brown color and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of crisping.

Perfect Garlic Butter Timing
For the most flavorful garlic butter chicken tenders, prepare the garlic butter sauce while the chicken is cooking, but don’t add it until the last minute. When making the sauce, cook the garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before removing from heat—overcooked garlic becomes bitter. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the tenders immediately before serving to maintain the perfect contrast between crispy exterior and buttery coating.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures your breading adheres properly and creates that perfect crispy exterior. If the tenders are particularly large or uneven, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before proceeding to the breading process.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly. In a second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process is the secret to creating that restaurant-quality coating on your garlic butter chicken tenders.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Working with one tender at a time, dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place the breaded tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the coating set.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. The aroma of this sauce will make your mouth water in anticipation of those delicious garlic butter chicken tenders.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce evenly over the tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, professional presentation. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders
Take these garlic butter chicken tenders to the next level by adding ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese to your panko mixture. The cheese adds a nutty, savory dimension and helps create an even more golden, crispy crust. After cooking, sprinkle with additional Parmesan before adding the garlic butter sauce for a double dose of cheesy goodness.

Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Tenders
For those who enjoy a sweet-heat combination, modify the garlic butter sauce by adding 2 tablespoons of honey and increasing the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon. The honey caramelizes slightly when mixed with the hot butter, creating a sticky, spicy glaze that transforms these crispy garlic chicken tenders into an addictive flavor bomb that’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Herb-Crusted Garlic Butter Tenders
For an herb-forward variation, add 1 tablespoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano to your breadcrumb mixture. Then enhance the garlic butter sauce with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, and additional parsley. This Mediterranean-inspired twist adds aromatic complexity to the classic garlic butter chicken tenders while keeping all the juicy, buttery goodness intact.

Storage and Serving

These garlic butter chicken tenders are best enjoyed immediately after preparation when they’re at peak crispiness. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to help restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy.

For an impressive dinner, serve these tenders alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables. The potatoes will soak up any extra garlic butter sauce, creating a cohesive meal. For a more casual presentation, pair with sweet potato fries and a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette.

These tenders also make excellent sandwich fillers—try them in a toasted ciabatta roll with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of garlic aioli for a restaurant-quality sandwich. For entertaining, slice the cooked tenders into bite-sized pieces, spear with toothpicks, and serve with the garlic butter sauce as a dipping option for an irresistible appetizer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. They may need an extra minute or two of cooking time depending on their thickness. The key is ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I make these garlic butter chicken tenders gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The garlic butter sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments needed there.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the pan-fried version but still delicious.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The safest method is using an instant-read meat thermometer, which should register 165°F (74°C). Visually, the breading should be golden brown, and when cut, the meat should be white throughout with no pink.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat it gently before serving and whisk to recombine, as the butter will solidify when refrigerated. For best flavor, make it fresh while the chicken is cooking.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are comfort food at its finest — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a richly aromatic garlic butter that transforms simple chicken into something truly craveable. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or as the star of your next gathering. The combination of that perfect golden crunch and buttery garlic flavor creates a meal that satisfies both sophisticated palates and picky eaters alike. Give these tenders a try tonight, and watch how quickly they become a requested favorite in your recipe rotation!

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