Description
Juicy, golden chicken tenders cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of lemon—simple, fast, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1½ pounds chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breast, cut into strips)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top to coat. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use boneless thighs if preferred—just adjust cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
