Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (2024)

Published: • Modified: by Charlotte• This post may contain affiliate links •Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Grilled chicken flavor and cooked in a skillet indoors! These low carb pan seared chicken tenders - the perfect starter for salads and wraps- are ready in under 30 minutes. Our "secret ingredient" gives them over the top flavor!

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (1)

This recipe originally published January 2019 now updated with expert tips and FAQs.

Low carb skillet chicken tenders are my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. Learning how to make just-like-grilled chicken strips indoors is a game changer. The whole family will love this chicken tenders recipe- even picky eaters! Make a batch at the beginning of the week and you will have stress free meals for days.

This easy recipe parallels my recent post for grilled chicken tenders by using the same basic ingredients- only cooked in a skillet. Pan searing makes the chicken tenders cook quickly and helps keep them tender and juicy. We are using less oil and simple ingredients to make a family favorite even better. Let's get started:

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • The main ingredients
  • Step by step directions
  • Expert Tips:
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
  • Recipe
  • Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe
  • Comments

Why This Recipe Works

  • Chicken tenderloins are used instead of chicken breasts to make this recipe a time saver. Find them in the fresh poultry section of the grocery store.
  • A heavy iron skillet is used to help add a delicious crust to the tenders. A one pan meal means less mess.
  • Korean bbq sauce helps the chicken caramelize in the skillet adding an appealing color.

The main ingredients

  1. Chicken tenders- choose chicken tenders for this recipe as they cook in about 5-6 minutes- a real time saver!
  2. Rotisserie chicken seasoning- use your favorite bread to add the perfect amount of flavor.
  3. Korean BBQ Sauce- use this to add a sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce will also help the tenders form a delicious crust.

Step by step directions

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (2)

Begin with an approx 1# package of chicken tenders. If the tenders are very thick, cut them lengthwise into two. This will help speed up the cooking process.

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (3)

There are 2 main ingredients used to flavor the chicken tenders. Korean bbq sauce and rotisserie seasoning combine to help give the tenders a blast of flavor. Place chicken in a shallow pan or plastic bag and allow to marinate prior to cooking.

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (4)

Using a little oil, brown the tenders in a cast iron skillet or your favorite sauté pan over medium heat on stove top. Turn tenders for even browning.Check internal temperature of chicken using a meat thermometer.Chicken should register at least 165 degrees.

Expert Tips:

  • If you have enough time, add the marinade to the chicken tenders and allow to marinate 30 minutes for best flavor.
  • When cooking the tenders, avoid crowding the chicken in the pan. This will help ensure a golden brown crust.
  • Discard the marinade after removing chicken.
  • Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I substitute regular BBQ sauce? Yes, you will then have bbq chicken tenders. If possible, try to use the Korean BBQ sauce. I find it in the Asian foods section of my market.
  • Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, allow a few extra minutes for cooking.
  • What temp should chicken tenders be cooked to? Chicken tenders should reach 165° in the thickest part of the tender.
Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (5)

Easy skillet chicken tenders can be used for meal prep, salads, sandwiches- the possibilities are endless!

Other serving ideas:

  • Ranch dressing makes a good dipping sauce
  • Add a simple side salad for a healthy meal on busy weeknights
  • Other side dishes include Air Fryer Asparagus,Green Beans in a Can Recipe,Keto Broccoli Salad andRoasted Sweet Corn.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Green Beans in a Can Recipe

Our very favorite green beans in a can recipe! Perfect for weeknights or holidays - this recipe perks up plain canned green beans into a family favorite. Ready in about 15minutes.

Go to recipe

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled veggies make a delicious low carb side dish! Slice them up thin and add your favorite seasoning for a tasty side dish.

Go to recipe

Healthy Sweet Potato Fries

Healthy sweet potato fries are a crunchy and delicious side dish the whole family will love! So versatile- serve with burgers, sandwiches or as a crunchy salad topping.

Go to recipe

Did you make this recipe? Please leave your star rating and comment below!

Recipe

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (9)

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe

Grilled chicken flavor and cooked in a skillet indoors! These low carb chicken tenderloins-perfect starter for salads and wraps are ready in under 30 minutes. Our "secret ingredient" gives them over the top flavor!

4.74 from 23 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 240kcal

Author: Easyhealth Living

Ingredients

  • lb chicken tenders
  • 2 tablespoon Korean bbq sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rotisserie seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a plastic bag. Place in refrigerator and allow to marinate.

  • Heat olive oil in a medium to large iron skillet over medium heat.

  • Cook chicken tenders in skillet until golden brown and fully cooked (165℉). Turn frequently for even browning. (Discard marinade.)

Notes

Expert Tips:

  • If you have enough time, add the marinade to the chicken tenders and allow to marinate 30 minutes for best flavor.
  • When cooking the tenders, avoid crowding the chicken in the pan. This will help ensure proper browning.
  • Discard the marinade after removing chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

240

Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat

7

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

5

%

Sodium

337

mg

14

%

Potassium

644

mg

18

%

Carbohydrates

3

g

1

%

Fiber

g

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

36

g

72

%

Vitamin A

70

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

2.1

mg

3

%

Calcium

28

mg

3

%

Iron

1.1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @EasyHealthllc or tag #EasyHealthllc!

More Main Dish

  • Egg Roll in a Bowl
  • Chicken Muffins
  • Air Fryer Cornish Hen
  • Low Carb Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Tenders Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you sear chicken with butter or oil? ›

Pan-seared chicken breast, cooked in a little oil with salt and pepper and finished with a generous knob of butter, is the first way I learned to cook chicken breast on the stove and a technique I always go back to.

How do you make chicken tender and not tough? ›

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.

How to make chicken tender like restaurants? ›

Brining helps to tenderize the meat and keep it moist during cooking. Buttermilk marinade: Another popular technique is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk for several hours or overnight. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat, while the fat in the milk adds flavor and.

How do you sear chicken properly? ›

Start with a hot pan over mediumhigh heat and a small amount of cooking oil. Season the chicken and add it to the pan. Let the meat sear for several minutes on one side before flipping. A chicken cutlet is ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan and has a nice, golden-brown sear.

What is the best oil to sear chicken in? ›

The temperature of the skillet and the oil drop once you add your food, and the very high initial temperature is part of what gives your food a good sear in the first place. My oil pick for searing is avocado oil. It's less refined than other high-heat oils like canola or sunflower oil.

What is the best ingredient to tenderize chicken? ›

We recommend marinating your chicken in buttermilk or yogurt overnight, but if it's urgent, then an hour will do. However, the texture of the chicken won't be as even as chicken marinated overnight. The process is simple: you only have to immerse the chicken in a container with enough yogurt or buttermilk and seal it.

What causes chicken tenders to be tough? ›

Here are some factors that influence the texture of chicken: Cooking Method: The cooking method used plays a significant role in the texture of chicken. Overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature can result in tough, dry chicken.

What makes chicken tenders tough? ›

Tendons are essentially like straps that attach muscle to the bones of the chicken. This connective tissue is very strong. When you cook it, the tendon firms up and contracts, making it slightly tougher than the surrounding meat, which is why some chefs choose to remove it before cooking.

How do you keep chicken from drying out when frying? ›

Place a flat-bottomed frying pan on a medium-high heat and drizzle in a good amount of olive oil. When the oil is nice and hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and leave to cook for 5 -7 minutes, untouched until a nice golden crust forms. If you have a lid for the pan, pop it on to help retain all that moisture.

Why is my chicken tough after I cooked it? ›

You're Overcooking Them

This is likely the most common mistake cooks make when it comes to chicken breasts. Of course, nobody wants a medium-rare chicken breast, but sometimes in an effort to fully cook our chicken breasts, we unintentionally overcook them. The result? An unpleasantly dry, chalky texture.

How to make chicken tender like Chinese? ›

Whisk together egg white, vinegar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Add sliced chicken; mix to coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Bring water and oil to a boil in a pot over high heat.

Is it better to sear meat in butter or oil? ›

WHICH IS BEST FOR COOKING STEAK: BUTTER OR OIL? Unlike butter, many oils have higher smoke points, making them the better option for cooking steak. Furthermore, there are some oils e.g. olive oil or grape seed oil that are healthier alternatives to butter. However, don't expect oil to taste better than butter.

Is it better to fry chicken in butter or olive oil? ›

Think vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Don't use olive oil or butter—they both have lower smoke points. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is 350˚ to 365˚, and you'll want to make sure that you bring the oil back to temperature between batches.

Do you use butter when searing? ›

Because it adds proteins to the mix, butter is a better medium for adding deep brown color to your steak as well, which means that even if your steak is looking a little pale after its initial sear, once you add that butter, it'll rapidly take on color.

Does oil or butter make chicken crispy? ›

“People put butter on the chicken skin with the idea that it's going to help it become crispy — it doesn't,” he laments. “It helps the skin to go brown because the solids in the butter brown, but it doesn't make it crispier.” Instead, he recommends using vegetable oil after thoroughly drying your bird.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5951

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.