10 Chicken Tenderloin Recipes That Never Fail
Did you know that chicken tenderloins are often considered the most tender and juicy part of the chicken? If you’re looking for delicious, easy-to-make recipes that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll explore 10 mouth-watering chicken tenderloin recipes that never fail to delight, from crispy garlic parmesan to sweet and sour with veggies—perfect for any dinner occasion!
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloins
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloins recipe delivers a mouth-watering combination of savory garlic and rich parmesan flavors, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
4. Dip each chicken tenderloin in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenderloins
This Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenderloins recipe features a delightful blend of sweet honey and tangy mustard, creating a flavorful and succulent dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until well blended.
3. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly with the honey mustard mixture.
4. Arrange the coated tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove from the oven, then let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to an hour before baking.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloins
This Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloins recipe is special for its vibrant citrus flavor and rich creaminess, creating a delightful harmony that elevates any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the creamy sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins recipe combines the perfect balance of heat and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ranch dressing (optional, for serving)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss the chicken tenderloins in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the coated chicken tenderloins for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the seared chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with Buffalo sauce, coating each piece evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Tips:
- For extra crispy tenderloins, consider double-coating the chicken by dipping them in a second layer of the flour mixture after the first coating.
- Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a delicious dipping experience.
Teriyaki Chicken Tenderloins with Pineapple
This Teriyaki Chicken Tenderloins with Pineapple recipe brings a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that are sure to please your palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken tenderloins and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet with the chicken and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top.
4. Stir to coat the chicken and pineapple in the sauce, letting it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
6. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips:
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Fresh pineapple works great, but canned pineapple also works if you’re in a pinch.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Tenderloins
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Tenderloins recipe is special for its blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly complementing the tender chicken for a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the tenderloins on the grill or skillet.
5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. In the last minute of cooking, brush any remaining marinade onto the chicken for extra flavor.
7. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For a complete meal, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are excellent in salads or wraps.
Italian Herb Chicken Tenderloins with Marinara
This Italian Herb Chicken Tenderloins with Marinara dish offers a delightful combination of savory herbs and rich tomato sauce that will surely please any palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken tenderloins.
5. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken tenderloins and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Serve the chicken tenderloins with a side of pasta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
- Feel free to add roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Mango Chili Chicken Tenderloins
This Mango Chili Chicken Tenderloins recipe is a vibrant explosion of flavor that combines the sweetness of ripe mango with a spicy kick, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup ripe mango, diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, chili powder, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and lime juice to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill or skillet over medium heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of mango juice to the marinade.
- Serve with a side of rice or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Tenderloins
This Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Tenderloins recipe is a deliciously seasoned dish with tangy buttermilk and aromatic herbs that make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Remove each chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in flour until fully coated.
6. Carefully place the coated tenderloins in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Once cooked, transfer the tenderloins to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for enhanced taste.
- To make it lighter, try baking the tenderloins at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
Sweet & Sour Chicken Tenderloins with Veggies
This Sweet & Sour Chicken Tenderloins with Veggies recipe is a delightful fusion of tangy and savory flavors that promises to excite your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper, marinating for 10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli, stirring for about 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add the pineapple chunks and sweet and sour sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice.
Tips:
- For added crunch, you can include snap peas or water chestnuts in the veggie mix.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar or vinegar according to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
