Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with these incredibly delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a golden-brown crust, swimming in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This quick and easy recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor, proving that gourmet-style cooking can be achieved right in your own kitchen.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb chicken tenders
  2. 4 tbsp butter
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tsp paprika
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and crispy texture.
  2. Season chicken tenders evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring each tender is well coated with the spice mixture.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not brown.
  4. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders into the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even cooking and proper browning.
  6. Cook chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on the first side, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust and cook approximately 60% through.
  7. Flip the tenders and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  8. Baste the chicken tenders with the garlic butter sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor and moisture.
  9. Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, drizzling any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the tenders.

Tips

  1. Moisture is the enemy of crispy chicken! Always pat your chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
  3. Don't overcrowd the skillet - give your chicken tenders breathing room to brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Fresh garlic makes a world of difference. Mince it yourself instead of using pre-chopped to maximize flavor and aroma.
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
  6. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle kick of heat.
  7. Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the overall dish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 280kcal

Carbohydrates: 1g

Protein: 35g

Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 125mg

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