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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

A comforting dish featuring chicken tenders coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour optional, for a light crust
Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and mix them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. If you desire a light crust, add the flour and toss until the chicken is well-coated.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the browned bits from the skillet, which adds a beautiful depth to the sauce.
  4. Stir in honey if you’re using it, along with thyme or Italian seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste for that perfect flavor.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy texture, increase flour coating. Marinate the chicken for an hour to intensify flavors. Feel free to adjust spices for desired heat.