10 Chicken Tenderloin Dinner Recipes for Effortless Gourmet Meals
Chicken tenderloins are a versatile lean and quick-cooking protein that can transform weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences. Whether you’re craving crispy fried tenders savory stir-fries or creamy pasta dishes these 10 delicious recipes will elevate your meals effortlessly.
1. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Tenders
Perfectly golden crunchy and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl mix panko Parmesan garlic powder paprika salt and pepper.
- Dip each tenderloin in beaten eggs then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes until crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness spray the tenders lightly with cooking oil before baking.
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Tenders
Sweet sticky and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions:
- In a bowl whisk honey soy sauce garlic vinegar and ginger.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan cook chicken until browned (~4 mins per side).
- Pour sauce over chicken simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water stir into sauce to thicken.
Pro Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair.
3. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders
Bright zesty and perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil lemon juice zest garlic oregano salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Serve with a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Tenders
Rich comforting and ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins sliced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan cook chicken in butter until done (~5 mins).
- Add garlic sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in cream Parmesan salt and pepper simmer for 3 minutes.
- Toss with pasta and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
5. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Fiery tangy and perfect with blue cheese dip.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Bake or air-fry chicken at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Mix hot sauce butter honey garlic powder and cayenne.
- Toss cooked tenders in the sauce.
Pro Tip: Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Sweet savory and packed with veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers & broccoli
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger grated
Instructions:
- Stir-fry chicken in sesame oil until cooked.
- Add veggies ginger soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
- Cook for 5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
Pro Tip: Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
7. Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders
Herby crispy and kid-approved.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo)
Instructions:
- Mix ranch seasoning with breadcrumbs.
- Coat chicken in Greek yogurt then breadcrumb mix.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use panko for extra crunch.
8. Coconut Curry Chicken Tenders
Creamy fragrant and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 bell pepper sliced
Instructions:
- Cook chicken until browned.
- Add curry paste coconut milk fish sauce sugar and peppers.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Serve with jasmine rice.
9. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Smoky sweet and irresistibly juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 6 slices bacon
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Wrap each tenderloin with bacon.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce broil for 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
10. Mediterranean Chicken Tender Skewers
Light herby and perfect for grilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in olive oil lemon oregano and cumin.
- Skewer and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chicken tenderloins are a quick budget-friendly and delicious way to create gourmet meals in minutes. Whether you prefer crispy saucy or grilled these 10 recipes will keep your dinner rotation exciting.
