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 lb chicken tenders
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and crispy texture.
- Season chicken tenders evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring each tender is well coated with the spice mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not brown.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders into the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even cooking and proper browning.
- Cook chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on the first side, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust and cook approximately 60% through.
- 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.
- Baste the chicken tenders with the garlic butter sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, drizzling any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the tenders.
Tips
- 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.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet - give your chicken tenders breathing room to brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fresh garlic makes a world of difference. Mince it yourself instead of using pre-chopped to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle kick of heat.
- 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
