When time’s short but you still want something tasty, chicken tenderloins are your best friend.
These 12 chicken tenderloin recipes keep it simple without skimping on flavour.
Quick to prep, easy to clean up, and always satisfying.
These recipes are the kind you’ll come back to again and again.
Minimal effort, maximum taste!
From Pan to Plate: 12 Chicken Tenderloin Recipes You’ll Love
These 12 chicken tenderloin recipes make cooking easy and stress-free.
Each one comes together fast, using simple ingredients you probably already have.
Perfect for everyday cooking!
Here’s a handy table showing the preparation time, cooking time, and serving size for each dish.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders | 10 mins | 12 mins | 4 |
| 2. Honey Butter Chicken | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 3. Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders | 15 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 4. Buffalo Chicken Tenders | 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 5. Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders | 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 6. Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders | 10 mins | 12 mins | 4 |
| 7. Chicken Scampi | 15 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 8. Thai Inspired Chicken Tenders With Pineapple Mango Chilli Sauce | 15 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 9. Crunchy Parmesan Chicken | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 10. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders | 15 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 11. Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders | 15 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 12. Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies | 15 mins | 25 mins | 4–6 |
Recipe 1 – Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Get that crispy crunch without all the oil. A healthier twist on a classic!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Dip each tender into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mix.
Step 4: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 5: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and juicy.
Chef’s Tip: Pair with honey mustard for a zesty dip.
Recipe 2 – Honey Butter Chicken
Golden tenders are coated in a sweet, buttery glaze. Pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Season tenders with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Step 2: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 4: Stir the honey and soy sauce together, then drizzle them over the tenders.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes for a cosy meal.
Recipe 3 – Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Spice lovers, this one’s for you. Bold, fiery, and unforgettable!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Soak tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Mix flour, cayenne, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Step 3: Coat tenders in the flour mix.
Step 4: Fry in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
Step 5: Brush with extra cayenne oil for that signature heat.
Chef’s Tip: Cool it down with pickles and bread on the side.
Recipe 4 – Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Tangy and spicy, baked to perfection for a game-day win!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
Step 3: Dip tenders in sauce, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bake on a lined sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.
Chef’s Tip: Dunk in ranch or blue cheese for the full experience.
Recipe 5 – Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Sticky, sweet, and garlicky, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sprinkle tenders with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook tenders 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 4: Add honey, soy sauce, and garlic; mix until the sauce thickens.
Chef’s Tip: Top with sesame seeds and green onions for a fancy finish.
Recipe 6 – Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Rich and garlicky, these tenders melt in your mouth!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season tenders with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add tenders and cook 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 5: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Chef’s Tip: Sop up the sauce with crusty bread or pasta.
Recipe 7 – Chicken Scampi
Tenders swim in a creamy, garlicky sauce; fancy yet simple!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season tenders with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet and cook tenders 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Remove tenders; cook garlic in the pan.
Step 4: Add wine, broth, and cream; simmer until the mixture has thickened.
Step 5: Return the tenders to the sauce.
Chef’s Tip: Serve over angel hair pasta for a classy touch.
Recipe 8 – Thai Inspired Chicken Tenders With Pineapple Mango Chilli Sauce
Sweet, spicy, and tropical. A flavour adventure awaits!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup mango, diced
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Fry tenders in oil until golden and cooked through.
Step 2: Blend pineapple juice, mango, chilli sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.
Step 3: Warm the sauce in a pan until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Toss tenders in the sauce to coat.
Chef’s Tip: Pair with coconut rice for an island vibe.
Recipe 9 – Crunchy Parmesan Chicken
Cheesy and crispy, these tenders are a hit with all ages!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Dip tenders in egg, then coat with the Parmesan mix.
Step 4: Bake on a lined sheet for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with marinara for a pizza-like vibe.
Recipe 10 – Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Smoky bacon hugs juicy tenders; grill perfection!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high.
Step 2: Season tenders with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Wrap each tender with bacon.
Step 4: Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning often, until the bacon is crisp.
Chef’s Tip: Brush with BBQ sauce near the end for a smoky boost.
Recipe 11 – Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders
Salty pretzels add a playful crunch to these tenders!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Mix pretzels with mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat tenders in flour, then egg, then pretzel crumbs.
Step 4: Bake on a lined sheet for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Chef’s Tip: Dip in honey mustard or ranch for an extra yum factor.
Recipe 12 – Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies
One pan, big flavour, dinner doesn’t get easier than this!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Toss veggies with oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a sheet pan.
Step 3: Add tenders; drizzle with honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Chef’s Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
