There’s something deeply satisfying about the smell of butter melting with garlic in a hot skillet. You know that rich aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone suddenly wander in asking, ‘What’s cooking?’ That’s what happens when I make these garlic butter chicken tenders. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a little sizzle on the stove — that’s my kind of dinner. I’ve made chicken tenders a dozen different ways, but these? They’ve got that perfect mix of juicy and crispy, with a buttery garlic coating that makes you want to lick the pan (I said want to, not that I did… maybe). This recipe works every single time and feels like comfort in a skillet. If you’re into Chicken Tender Recipes, Chicken Tenders Recipes, Easy Chicken Tender Recipes, easy chicken tender recipes, fried chicken recipe tenders, or even a honey hot chicken tenders recipe — you’ll feel right at home here. I love serving them with a pile of mashed potatoes or a simple salad. They’re great for kids, guests, or just one of those nights when you want something easy that still feels a little special. The flavor is buttery, garlicky, and just a bit addictive — the kind of dish you can’t help but sneak one piece from before dinner officially starts.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

These Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are all about comfort and ease. You get juicy, golden chicken with a buttery garlic coating that feels indulgent but takes barely any effort. If you love chicken tender recipes baked to crispy perfection, this one will be a new favorite in your kitchen.

The flavor is rich and homely with that familiar garlic aroma that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough to impress guests who drop by unexpectedly. I often say, “You don’t need a restaurant when your skillet smells like heaven.”

This is the kind of dish that reminds you food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. A few ingredients, a little butter, and a bit of patience at the stove—that’s the magic right there.

2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

If I could sum up this recipe in one word, it’d be “forgiving.” You don’t need to fuss or measure down to the last grain of salt. The beauty of this chicken tender recipe baked style is that you can play it by feel and still end up with something incredible.

When the butter melts and garlic hits the pan, you’ll know you’re doing it right. That smell—that deep, golden warmth—sets the tone. It’s almost like a promise that dinner’s going to be good. You can pair these tenders with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even throw them into a sandwich. They’re versatile, quick, and ridiculously tasty.

Cooking at home can sometimes feel like work, but with this recipe, it’s more like a reward. Every bite delivers a balance of crisp edges and soft juicy meat that’ll make you pause mid-bite and go, “Wow.”

3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: I like to use fresh chicken tenders for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay tender. You can use chicken breast strips if that’s what you have—they’ll work beautifully too.

Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple. Just enough seasoning to highlight the natural flavor of the chicken. The garlic butter sauce will take care of the rest.

Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a lovely color to the crust. It’s that little something extra that brings everything together.

Olive Oil: Helps the chicken get that golden sear. It’s like the stage light for the main act—the butter.

Unsalted Butter: The star of the show. It creates the rich, glossy sauce that coats every piece perfectly.

Garlic: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s just right. The garlic mellows in the butter, becoming nutty and fragrant.

Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness that lifts the entire dish. It’s not just garnish—it’s flavor.

Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens up the butter and gives the chicken that little zing that keeps you coming back for another bite.

4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Pat your chicken tenders dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This gives you that golden crust that seals in the juices.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Add your chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden on one side, then flip and let the other side get that same color.

Step 3. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. Add butter to the same skillet. When it melts, toss in your garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. You’ll smell when it’s ready.

Step 4. Put the chicken back into the skillet, coat it in the garlic butter, and toss gently so every piece gets that glossy layer. Finish with parsley and lemon juice for that perfect balance of rich and fresh.

Step 5. Serve hot. You can spoon some of that buttery sauce over rice, veggies, or bread—don’t let a drop go to waste.

5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Use medium heat. You want to cook the chicken through without burning the butter or garlic. Patience makes for the perfect crust. Flip the tenders only once so they stay juicy.

Use fresh garlic, not the jarred kind. The flavor difference is huge. When garlic hits butter, it’s supposed to bloom, not just sit there. Fresh cloves make that happen.

If you love a little heat, sprinkle in a few chili flakes right at the end. It gives a gentle kick without stealing the show. And remember, that buttery sauce doubles as an amazing drizzle for vegetables or bread.

6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

I get it—weeknights can get wild. That’s why I love making this chicken ahead of time. You can cook the tenders, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good for up to three days. Reheat them gently in a skillet to keep that texture right.

Another trick? Make extra garlic butter and keep it in the fridge. That way, when you reheat the chicken, you can melt a spoonful on top, and it tastes like it’s fresh from the pan. I call that smart cooking.

If you’re planning a party or family dinner, these chicken tenders are easy to scale. Double the batch, and everyone’s happy. They go with nearly everything, which makes meal planning a breeze.

7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Store your cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, warm them up in a skillet with a touch of butter to bring back that golden edge.

Freezing works too. Lay them out on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then move them into freezer bags. When reheating, bake them at a low temperature so they warm evenly without drying out.

Sometimes, I chop them up and toss them into salads or wraps the next day. They make lunchtime exciting again and help reduce food waste, which I’m always glad about.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders