Easy Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

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.

You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you make dinner. Pan fried chicken tenders without breading or flour are flavorful, crispy and 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

• 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

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

Variations/ Substitutions

• Extra 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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ

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RECIPE

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