Pan Seared Chicken Tenderloins
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My delicious pan-seared chicken tenderloins recipe makes a fast dinner any night of the week! The chicken tenders are crisp outside and super juicy in the middle.
Everyone has a go-to chicken recipe that they whip up with zero notice, and these crispy pan-fried chicken tenders are one of mine and my partner’s all-time favorites. They cook up in less than ten minutes, turn out perfectly golden on the outside, and stay juicy inside: no breading needed!
I first started making them as part of our weekly meal prep, but they soon became a staple on busy weeknights when we both wanted a quick protein, and they’re regularly in our dinner rotation. They’re naturally gluten-free, full of flavor, and are very difficult to mess up (ask my partner, who usually burns toast).
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “This is the best chicken tenderloin recipe I’ve ever used. I wanted something tasty and quick to cook, and it was both. I really enjoyed the dish.” – Julia
Key Ingredients
Here are some notes on the ingredients for stovetop chicken tenders. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card.
- Chicken tenders. I love cooking chicken tenderloins instead of chicken breasts because they cook much faster. If you can’t find tenderloins at your grocery store or butcher, slice up some thick chicken breasts. If I use breasts, I typically get 3 tenderloins from a 6-ounce chicken breast.
- Spices. Combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper makes this chicken delicious.
- Olive oil. Just a bit of oil is all you need to get perfectly golden-brown, crispy tenders.
- Parsley. This is optional, but fresh chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color here.
How to cook chicken tenderloins on the stove
Step 1- Combine all of the dry seasonings in a bowl.
Step 2– Coat the chicken tenders with the dry rub. Ensure each tenderloin is well coated.
Step 3- Heat the olive oil in a skillet, then add the chicken strips and sear until golden brown.
Step 4- Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Pat your chicken dry. To get the crispiest tenderloins, use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning. This is what separates crisp tenders from slightly soggy ones.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer. It’s the easiest way to tell when they’re cooked. Look for 165°F, or 160°F if you rest them first.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding steams the chicken rather than searing it, affecting its taste and texture.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, I tested a batch with breading and I sometimes cook them this way when my partner and I want something a little more indulgent. I like using a mix of panko and bread crumbs (3/4 cup total), but you can also use almond flour and/or parmesan cheese.
Dipping sauces are a must! I like pairing them with a platter of sauces, like hot honey sauce, spicy mayo, or peanut sauce. To make a well-rounded meal, serve the crispy tenders with air fryer smashed potatoes, curly fries, or something a little healthier, like my Asian cucumber salad.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, oregano, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken tenderloins to a bowl and pour the seasoning mix on top. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the tenderloins for 6-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F and golden brown on all sides.
- Serve immediately sprinkled with some fresh parsley.
Notes
- Marinate your chicken. Sometimes, I like to make my chicken tender recipes extra delicious with a marinade. I’ll soak the tenders in my chicken marinade or let them sit after covering them in the oil and seasonings for 1 to 2 hours before cooking.
- Play with the seasonings. Add cayenne pepper for heat, use more dry herbs for comfort, or slather them in the sauce of your choice to play around with the flavors.
Nutrition
More easy chicken recipes
- Firecracker Chicken
- Chicken Patties
- Greek Chicken
- Chicken Satay
- If you want more chicken tenderloin recipes, try my air fryer chicken tenderloins, grilled chicken tenders, or baked chicken tenderloins next.
Originally published November 2023
Please bring back the option to send recipes to email!
Yes, sorry- we will add it back in 🙂
This recipe is great! And a time saver for a quick but delicious meal. I paired it with garlic tumeric rice. Fabulous!
Thank you!
This is the best chicken tenderloin recipe I’ve ever used. I wanted something tasty and quick to cook, and it was both those things. I really enjoyed the dish.
Thanks so much, Julia
I will definitely be making this again! So much flavor and even better cold the next day.
Chicken was really moist and tasty. Able to get a good meal on the table in 20 min.
Love to hear that, Vicki!
Easy to make for a busy Schedule Family.