My Go-To Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe

These pan seared chicken tenders are a dinner me and my family can't get enough of. They pair well with literally every side, and they're also delicious sliced and added to a salad. The seasoning blend is just perfect, and I can't wait for you to taste it! 

The Best Pan Seared Chicken Tender Recipe

This pan fried chicken tenders recipe is all about simplicity and convenience. It's one of those recipes that cooks of all levels will get the same results. So, if you've ever struggled to cook juicy chicken, you'll find that this is a recipe you make on a weekly basis! 

The seasoning that I created to coat the chicken is so flavorful you don't even need a dipping sauce. The pan searing cooking method is perfect, too. It gives the chicken a slightly crispy crust while still staying juicy. You're going to love this chicken recipe!

Ingredients For Pan Seared Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb. Chicken tenders- you can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into thinner pieces.
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ tsp. Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Onion powder
• ½ tsp. Paprika- using smoked paprika adds a deeper layer to the flavor.
• 1 tsp. Dried parsley
• 2 tbsps. Olive oil- avocado oil is a great substitute.
• 2 tbsps. Unsalted butter- to finish off the chicken. You can also use salted butter if you don't add salt to the seasoning mixture.

How To Pan Sear Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley flakes. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken tenders, then rub the seasoning on the chicken using your fingertips.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

 Heat the skillet to medium heat, add the olive oil, and heat up for 2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet, pressing each chicken tender onto the skillet to get that delicious crust. Cook on one side for about 4 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Serve The Seared Chicken 

Add some butter to the pan and move it around so the butter melts. Spoon the melted butter over the cooked chicken tenders to add another depth of flavor. Serve the chicken tenders warm with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

How To Store Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

If you don't finish all of the chicken tenders without breading or want to make extra to meal prep for the week, you can store the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To keep the chicken for longer, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for about 6 months.

How To Reheat Chicken Tenders

I personally like just eating the chicken cold out of the fridge, but you can reheat it if you want. My favorite way is to slice the chicken toss it back in the skillet, and warm over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature. 

 Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQS

How do you know when chicken is seared?

You'll know the chicken tenders are completely cooked when the thickest part of the chicken tenderloins reads 165°F on a meat thermometer. Each side will have a golden brown color to it as well.

How do you sear chicken without overcooking it?

A pro tip is to use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken tenders into an even thickness. At least a ¾ inch thickness works best. Then, cooking chicken tenderloins at medium heat will ensure the pieces cook evenly inside and out. You'll want to cook them for about 4 minutes on each side.

More Recipes

• Chipotle Lime Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
• Chicken Cobbler
• Crustless Chicken Pot Pie