Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Want a Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe that makes your weeknight dinner special? You’re in the right place! This Italian-inspired dish brings restaurant flavors to your home with just a little effort.
Picture tender chicken smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. Our recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for busy cooks or anyone looking for a tasty meal fast.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is quick and packed with flavor. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Impress your loved ones with a dish that looks fancy but is easy to make.
Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making the ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe needs care and love. This guide will show you how to turn simple ingredients into a delicious meal. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Marinade
A great marinade is key to tasty grilled chicken. For the best flavor, use these ingredients:
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- High-quality olive oil
- Herbs like thyme and rosemary
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
The secret to tender chicken is in the marinating. Let your chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in deeply.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
The star of our Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is the rich, creamy sauce. Mix softened butter with minced garlic bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. This makes a delicious coating.
“Great cooking is about layering flavors and creating depth,” says renowned chef Julia Child.
Cooking Techniques for Tender Results
When cooking your chicken, try these methods:
- Grilling for smoky char marks
- Baking for even cooking
- Pan-searing for crispy exterior
No matter the method, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. The right technique ensures juicy, flavorful chicken tenders every time.
Recipe card
To make the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe, you need the right tools and preparation. Our recipe card will guide you. It turns simple ingredients into a tasty, healthy meal that’s as good as what you’d find in a restaurant.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Tomato basil sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Melt butter with minced garlic
- Coat chicken tenders in garlic butter mixture
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Garnish with fresh parsley
This Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe turns a simple protein into a delicious dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Chicken Tenders at Home
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders as good as a restaurant’s, follow some expert tips. Chefs say it’s all about how you prepare and pay attention to the little things.
- Choose high-quality chicken breast that’s evenly thick for consistent cooking
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to ensure crispy texture
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F
For your garlic butter sauce, here’s what pros do. Fresh garlic is way better than pre-minced. Crush whole cloves for the best flavor in your bruschetta chicken pasta.
*The key to restaurant-quality chicken is maintaining the perfect balance between crispy exterior and juicy interior.*
By using these tips, you can make your Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders into a tasty one-pot pasta. Just slice the chicken and mix it with your favorite pasta.
- Use clarified butter for a richer, more stable cooking medium
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture
- Experiment with herb combinations in your butter sauce
Learning these tricks will make you a pro at making chicken tenders at home. You’ll wow your family and friends with your cooking.
Conclusion
Our Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a simple way to make a tasty dinner. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone who loves to cook. This recipe turns regular chicken into a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
This recipe is great because you can cook it in many ways. You can bake, air fry, or pan-sear it. This makes it a healthy meal that fits different diets and cooking styles.
Adding your own seasonings and sides can make this recipe even better. Try it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain. Every cook adds their own special touch, and we can’t wait to hear about yours.
We encourage you to share your own versions of this recipe. Cooking is all about exploring and finding new flavors. So, get your ingredients ready, turn on the stove, and let your taste buds guide you!
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?
It takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. This makes it a great choice for quick dinners on busy nights.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Also, prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?
This dish goes well with many sides. Try roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or bruschetta chicken pasta for an Italian twist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The chicken tenders reheat well. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They’re perfect for meal prep.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Definitely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips. Follow the same recipe. Adjust cooking time based on the chicken’s thickness.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of regular bread crumbs. Always check your ingredients to meet dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Grill or bake instead of frying. Choose whole wheat bread crumbs for more nutrition.
What kind of cheese works best with this recipe?
Parmesan cheese is a great choice. It pairs well with the garlic butter sauce. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them for 2-3 months. Store them in an airtight container. Reheat well before serving.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken tenders stay juicy?
Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C). Marinating helps keep the chicken moist.

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Melt butter with minced garlic
- Coat chicken tenders in garlic butter mixture
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Garnish with fresh parsley
