10+ Chicken Tender Recipes You’ll Love to Make at Home

Chicken tenders are a favorite for many, known for their delicious taste and versatility. From quick weekday dinners to gatherings with friends, these bite-sized pieces of chicken are loved by people of all ages.

You can easily make tasty chicken tenders at home with a few basic ingredients and a little creativity.

Whether you prefer them fried, baked, or grilled, there’s a chicken tender recipe to match your taste. You can experiment with different marinades, coatings, and cooking methods to find your perfect combination.

With so many options available, you’ll never run out of delicious ways to enjoy this classic dish.

1) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are a quick and tasty meal. You can have them ready in about 15 to 20 minutes. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

To make them, you need tender chicken cut into strips. Cooking in garlic butter gives these chicken tenders a rich and savory flavor. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenderloins
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken tenderloins, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2) Buttermilk Marinated Tenders

Buttermilk marinated chicken tenders are a delicious treat. The buttermilk helps to make the meat juicy and tender. This simple marinade also adds a mild tangy flavor.

To start, you will need to soak the chicken in buttermilk. Adding spices to the buttermilk enhances the taste. Common spices include garlic powder, paprika, and salt.

Once your chicken has marinated for a few hours, it’s ready for cooking. You can pan-fry, bake, or even air fry these tender pieces for a crispy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders and buttermilk.
2. Add garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a pan.
5. Cook the tenders until golden and crispy. Enjoy!

3) Crispy Oven-Baked Tenders

Crispy oven-baked chicken tenders are a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish. You’ll get that crunch without frying.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

You can use chicken breast strips for this recipe. Coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor. Baking them ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy on the inside.

For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs in the oven before coating the chicken. This simple step makes a big difference in texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast strips
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Toast the breadcrumbs in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix the breadcrumbs with spices.
5. Coat the chicken strips with breadcrumbs.
6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.

4) Fried Chicken Tenders with Seasoned Batter

Fried chicken tenders with a seasoned batter are a delicious choice for any meal. These tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor.

To start, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for added tenderness.

Next, prepare a seasoned batter with flour and your favorite spices. This will give your tenders a tasty coating.

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a perfect fry.

Dip each piece of chicken in the seasoned batter and carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dip each chicken tender in the seasoned batter.
5. Fry the tenders until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and enjoy!

5) Teriyaki-Flavored Baked Tenders

Teriyaki-flavored baked tenders are a tasty and easy option for dinner. They combine the savory taste of chicken with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. You can serve them with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

To start, you’ll want to coat your chicken tenders in homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce.

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they are cooked through and golden brown.

These tenders are not only delicious but also perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup (120ml) teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat chicken tenders with teriyaki sauce.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

6) Sticky Honey Garlic Tenders

Sticky honey garlic tenders are a delicious way to enjoy chicken. The sweet and savory sauce coats each tender piece, making it tasty and easy to eat. This dish can be ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

To make these tenders, start with chicken strips and a simple sauce.

Combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for the perfect balance of flavors. Bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until they’re golden and cooked through.

Serve these tenders with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. They are great for dipping in extra sauce or enjoying on their own.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Coat the chicken tenders in the sauce.
4. Place tenders on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

7) Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloins

Pan-seared chicken tenderloins are quick and easy to make. You can cook them in a skillet and enjoy a delicious meal in under 10 minutes. They turn out crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this tasty dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or when you have guests over. You can serve these tenderloins with a side salad or in wraps.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Add the tenderloins to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Ensure they are cooked through, with no pink remaining.
5. Remove from heat and let rest before serving.

8) Crunchy Baked Breaded Tenders

Crunchy baked breaded tenders are a delicious and healthier option for chicken lovers. You’ll enjoy a crispy outer layer without frying. Using panko breadcrumbs makes a big difference in texture.

To prepare, start by seasoning your chicken strips.

Dip them in egg and coat with panko bread crumbs mixed with parmesan for added flavor. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes.

These tenders are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. They can be served as a snack or a meal with sides like veggies or salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices (like paprika or garlic powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
3. Beat the eggs in a bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, mix panko and parmesan.
5. Dip each chicken tender in egg, then coat with panko mixture.
6. Place tenders on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crunchy.

9) Juicy Homemade Chicken Fingers

Making juicy homemade chicken fingers is simple and satisfying. You can start with fresh chicken tenderloins for the best taste and texture.

Marinate them in seasoned buttermilk for extra flavor and moisture.

Next, coat the tenderloins in a mix of breadcrumbs and spices. Then, fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This gives you a delightful crunch outside and juicy meat inside.

Serve your chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauces. You can pair them with ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Coat marinated chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
5. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

10) Tuscan-Style Chicken Tenders

Tuscan-Style Chicken Tenders are a delicious option for dinner. These tenders are marinated in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, giving them a rich flavor.

Cooking them in a creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes adds a tasty twist.

You can serve these tenders with pasta or a fresh salad. This dish is not only quick to make but also a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian herbs (like basil and oregano)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add chicken tenders and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Then, transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.