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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Easy Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

    First Published: January 28, 2023 . Last Modified: January 28, 2023 lisa17 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    These easy pan fried chicken tenders with no breading are simple and delicious. Use your favorite saute pan to create a versatile meal that's low carb, keto, paleo, Whole30 and gluten free. Enjoy pan seared chicken tenders as a main dish, or add them to your favorite recipes. It's a healthy meal the whole family will love.

    Pan fried chicken tenders in a non-stick skillet.

    You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you make dinner. Pan fried chicken tenders without breading or flour are flavorful and seared golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. This easy recipe is quick-cooking, and the seasoning is customizable to fit your tastes.

    Chicken tenders make a tasty main dish no matter your diet plan. Quick, easy, and healthy pan seared chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep and can be added to your favorite casseroles, salads and soups.

    This easy chicken dinner is a family favorite and winner with kids. You can serve it with good dipping sauce and a simple side salad for a quick weeknight dinner.  

    If you like dark meat thighs instead of white meat, try my Sauteed Boneless Chicken Thighs instead.

    What are Chicken Tenders?

    Chicken tenders may also be called chicken strips, chicken fingers or chicken tenderloins. You can purchase chicken tenders in a package at the grocery store. The tenderloin is attached below the chicken breast and has the same flavor but is more tender than breast meat. Every chicken has two tenders; when sold separately, they are often more expensive than chicken breasts.

    Many home cooks will alternatively cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin strips about the same size as chicken tenders. This is a frugal way to make chicken strips without spending as much.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed for this recipe.
    • Paprika – Substitute smoked paprika if desired for a more smoky flavor.
    • Salt and Pepper – Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
    • Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds an earthy flavor. You can substitute garlic salt for garlic powder and kosher salt.
    • Chicken – Chicken tenderloin strips and tenders are just the right size. You can also cut chicken breasts into strips.
    • Olive Oil – Or use your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil.

    See recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions.

    Instructions

    Season chicken tenders in small bowl or shallow dish.
    1. Combine the chicken with the seasoning and oil in a medium bowl. Toss to coat the chicken tenders.
    Add the seasoned chicken tenders to a skillet.

    2. Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat and add the chicken tenders in a single layer.

    Flip chicken while cooking.

    3. Pan fry the chicken tenders then flip and cook on the other side. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees. 

    Chicken should rest on a plate before serving.

    4. Transfer the sauteed chicken tenders to a plate. Serve this chicken tenderloin recipe with dipping sauce if desired.

    Hint: Make a double batch of pan seared chicken tenders for easy lunches and meal prep all week long.

    Variations/ Substitutions

    • Crispy – If gluten is not a concern, you can coat the chicken in flour, salt and pepper and fry in a bit of olive oil.
    • Chili Lime – Combine lime zest with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, garlic salt and pepper.
    • Lemon Pepper – Combine lemon zest with salt and pepper.
    • Spicy – Add a bit of cayenne pepper to your favorite seasoning blend.
    • Herbs and Spices – Add your favorite herbs and spices such as onion powder, lemon juice, garlic powder, hot sauce, soy sauce.
    • Chicken Thighs – Slice boneless thighs into strips if you prefer dark meat.
    Chicken tenders are cooked in a nonstick skillet.
    A non stick skillet works great to cook these chicken tenders.

    Best Pan to Use for Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

    The best tool you have is the tool you have on hand but when given a choice, I prefer to use a non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet for sauteed chicken tenders. Non-stick pans will give you a nice sear on the chicken and are easy to clean. Cast iron holds heat well and will give the chicken tenders a crispy crust. The key with any pan is to preheat it so it is screaming hot when you add the chicken.

    Use an extra large skillet to make a big batch of chicken tenders to use for several meals.

    Storage

    Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. I love chopping up the leftovers to make this healthy Chicken and Quinoa Salad for lunches.

    Freeze chicken tenders for up to 3 months for easy meals and meal prep. Be sure to label the package before freezing.

    Reheat your pan seared chicken tenders in the microwave or in a skillet with a lid.

    Serving Suggestions

    Sauteed chicken tenders are great for meal prep and can be used in various recipes including Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas, Buffalo Chicken Flatbread with Bacon and this beautiful Rainbow Greek Salad. I also use chopped chicken tenders in Chicken Burrito Bowls.

    Even though these pan fried chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep, this chicken is tender and delicious right out of the pan. They are one of my favorite main dish options because they are so simple yet delicious. Chicken tenders can be served with almost anything but my favorite sides include Caprese Salad with Pesto, Air Fryer Frozen French Fries, Easy Mexican Street Corn and Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash.

    It would be a tragedy to serve pan seared chicken tenders without dip. Of course bottled dips like bbq sauce, and ranch dressing are quick and simple but it's easy to make homemade dips that are bursting with flavor. Try homemade Tzatziki Sauce, Homemade Bang Bang Sauce, or everyone's favorite Honey Mustard Sauce.

    Top tip

    Preheat your pan over medium heat so it is piping hot. The chicken will cook quickly so it's slightly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer and cook the chicken to 165 degrees F.

    FAQ

    How long does it take to cook chicken tenders on the stove?

    Chicken tenders will cook in about 6 to 8 minutes (3-4 minutes per side). The exact time will vary slightly depending on the thickness and size of your chicken tenders. If you can't fit all in the same pan, you will have to do a second batch which will take longer.

    Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

    Freezing chicken is a great way to stock up when chicken is on sale. If using frozen chicken tenders they should be thawed completely before cooking.

    How do I know when chicken tenders are cooked?

    The best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. If you don't have one, cooked chicken should be golden on the outside and there should be no pink on the inside.

    If you like to pan fry chicken, also try these Crispy Pan- Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Easy Pan Fried Meatballs, or Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions. I love pan fry cooking as it is easy and quick!

    Pan fried chicken tenders pin image.

    If you like these sauteed chicken tenders, please leave a 5-star rating.

    RECIPE

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    5 from 10 votes

    Easy Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

    Easy pan fried chicken tenders are a tasty and healthy meal that the whole family will love as a main dish or for easy meal prep.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Chicken Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 173kcal
    Cost: $8

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus extra to taste
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloin strips
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl mix together paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a medium size bowl, mix toegther the oil with chicken and sprinkle on the seasoning mixture. Turn until all sides of chicken are well coated.
    • Heat a large non- stick or cast iron pan on medium high heat. Add chicken and saute for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the outside of the chciken is golden and the inside starts to turn white. Flip chicken.
    • Cook for about 3 to 4 more minutes or until both sides of the chicken are golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165 with a meat or digital thermometer.
    • Season with more salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Serve with your favorite sides or meal prep chicken for salads, sandwiches and wraps.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 363IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

    Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

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    Comments

    1. Michele Wisley says

      January 31, 2023 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to make & delicious!! serve these for football gathering or picnics Sure to be a hit!

      Reply
      • lisa says

        February 01, 2023 at 12:56 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Marie-Pierre Breton says

      February 03, 2023 at 7:18 am

      Simple and filled with aroma! This is going to be a hit for the kids! Minus the Cayenne. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    3. Megan says

      February 03, 2023 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Tasty, quick and delicious! My 3 rules of measure for anything I cook. Absolutely recommend this recipe.

      Reply
    4. Loreto and Nicoletta says

      February 04, 2023 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      This is a very economical and delicious family dinner idea. In Italy we are about simplicity, and these chicken tenders are just that. I love the caramelization on the chicken and you have allowed the flavor of the chicken to shine through!
      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Jamie says

      February 04, 2023 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Such great fried chicken tenders look absolutely delicious and very tasty! The juiciness of this dish makes it so enticing and tempting! An instant favorite!

      Reply
    6. Jacqueline Debono says

      February 05, 2023 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe for chicken tenders. Have made it twice. Once I served with a caesar's salad and the second time with pasta salad.

      Reply
    7. Amanda Dixon says

      February 05, 2023 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      Loved how these turned out! The outside was perfectly crispy, and the chicken was nice and juicy.

      Reply
    8. Hayley Dhanecha says

      February 05, 2023 at 12:18 pm

      5 stars
      What an easy chicken tenders recipe this is, so delicious and simple. Perfect for a whole family. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      February 05, 2023 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly juicy without the added calories of breading! These are great for a football snack for sure!

      Reply
    10. Tristin says

      February 05, 2023 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      Great easy dinner recipe! My kids really liked this one and it was simple to prepare.

      Reply
    11. Kristina Tipps says

      February 06, 2023 at 12:27 pm

      These chicken tenders were delicious. They were perfectly fried on the outside and tender and juicy inside.

      Reply
    12. Carolyn knight says

      March 30, 2023 at 9:53 am

      It says cook time is 2 hours 10 minutes? Is that correct?

      Reply
      • lisa says

        March 30, 2023 at 5:04 pm

        Carolyn,

        No it is about 10 minutes like the actual instructions say. There must have an error in the program and I did correct it. Thanks for bringing to my attention!

        Lisa

        Reply
    13. Lori says

      January 06, 2024 at 9:07 pm

      These are delish & I’ve made them twice, but mine aren’t coming out crispy on the outside. What am I doing wrong?

      Reply
    14. Ieva says

      February 06, 2024 at 3:29 am

      5 stars
      We made your garlic dip again!!! And this time served it with these delicious chicken tenders. Another great recipe! Super easy dinner for the family! Everyone loooved them!

      Reply
      • lisa says

        February 06, 2024 at 4:55 pm

        Leva,
        It's great with this chicken! Enjoy!
        Lisa

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lisa

    I love creating recipes and cooking for my family and friends. It's great to bring everyone to my kitchen to talk, laugh and eat. I also like to spread my love for cooking to others. So grab an apron and let's do it together. I promise my recipes will be easy and delicious!

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