Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders. These juicy, tender strips of chicken are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that elevates them from simple to sensational. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
1. Preparing the Chicken Tenders
Trim and Slice: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Slice them into tenders or strips, ensuring they are all about the same size for even cooking.
Season: In a bowl, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
2. Dredging the Chicken
Set Up a Dredging Station: You’ll need three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
- Flour: In the first bowl, add about 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Eggs: In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth.
- Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, add about 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch).
Coat the Chicken: Take a chicken tender, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.
3. Cooking the Chicken Tenders
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when the chicken is added.
Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, then add the minced garlic.
Sauté the Garlic: Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). This will create a rich, flavorful sauce.
5. Combine Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce
Coat the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to ensure each tender is well coated in the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chicken tenders with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
6. Serving Suggestions
Plate the Dish: Serve the garlic butter chicken tenders on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
Add Sides: Pair your chicken tenders with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them over rice or pasta to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality butter. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of your dish significantly.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches ensures that each tender gets crispy rather than steaming.
3. Adjust the Garlic Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. If you love garlic, don’t hold back; if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount used.
4. Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep them moist. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Their crispy exterior, tender interior, and rich garlic butter sauce make them a family favorite. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, these chicken tenders are sure to impress.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also simple and quick to prepare. Enjoy every bite of this savory treat, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and safety.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many options available that will work just as well.
3. What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
4. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
5. How can I store leftover chicken tenders?
Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (or fresh if available)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the dried thyme and parsley. Add the lemon juice, mixing well. - Combine:
Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, with your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.