Healthier Chicken Tenders in Garlic Butter Sauce
A quick, cozy skillet recipe that transforms chicken tenderloins into a golden, juicy dish finished with a glossy garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (about 8–10 pieces) Lean and cook quickly
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 tbsp for searing; 2 tbsp for sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh for best flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) Adds color and mild smokiness
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat until warm but not smoking.
Cooking
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt and foam.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving to get a golden crust.
- Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer the cooked tenderloins to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
- Lower the heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and stir to scrape up the browned bits and garlic. Let the butter emulsify into a quick sauce for about 30–45 seconds.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter option, swap 1–2 tablespoons of butter for extra-virgin olive oil. Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or omit if cooking for kids who prefer milder tastes. If dairy-free, replace butter with a neutral oil and finish with a touch of dairy-free buttery spread if desired.