These chicken tenderloin recipes are perfect for family dinners. Some of these can also be snacks for the kids. Who wouldn't love some chicken fingers to munch on? Scroll down below and choose from these amazing chicken recipes!
WHAT ARE CHICKEN TENDERLOINS?
Did you know that tenderloins are two small muscles called pectoralis minor? They are quite small and therefore very easy to miss. As a matter of fact, if you just started cooking and you're new to the kitchen, you may not even know it exists. These are only visible when the bone is separated from the breast.
Chicken tenderloins, also known as chicken tenders, are portions of the chicken located just under the breast part. The tenderloins are usually elongated and tapered. It has a white line running down them, that should be removed before cooking. Don't forget to always check the internal temperature to make sure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
There are two tenderloins found in every chicken. It is more tender compared to other parts of the chicken and is very high in protein. That is why a lot of people prefer this part of the chicken. So, if you haven't tried cooking chicken tenderloins before, better pick from these easy chicken tenderloin recipes now!
CHICKEN TENDERLOIN RECIPES FOR THE FAMILY
The whole family will love these chicken tenderloin recipes. There are so many ways to cook chicken tenderloins and this list is filled with great ideas and easy recipes. You are going to have a hard time picking out which one to try first since they all look so delicious!
Everybody is going to look forward to dinner time with these scrumptious chicken tenderloin recipes! Chicken tenderloins don't take long to cook so these are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
1. CRACKER BARREL CHICKEN TENDERLOINS (AIR FRYER)
This cracker barrel chicken recipe tastes so good! Other chicken meals come out dry but this is very moist and cooking it in the air fryer really helped with that. This chicken tenderloin is packed with so many great flavors – Italian dressing, garlic, honey, fresh lime juice, and of course salt & black pepper to taste.
This is an easy and quick meal to make, you will only need about 5 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes to cook it in the air fryer. However, you are going to have to let it soak in the marinade. It might take at least an hour but, it will be worth it! Soaking it in the marinade will make a juicy chicken dinner.
2. KETO CHICKEN TENDERS
If you have been living a low-carb lifestyle for a while now, one of the things you would miss is fried food, no doubt about it. There is something about the crispy fried food that everybody loves so much. But, all that grease and oil is not exactly healthy.
This is why, for those people on keto or low-carb diets out there, this chicken tender recipe is perfect for you! You won't miss fried food anymore! This chicken tender is very crunchy and yummy. It also isn't greasy since it is cooked in an air fryer with just a spritz of olive oil. You'll be able to enjoy crispy chicken fingers without feeling guilty about it!
3. LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN TENDERS
You are going to love the perfect combination of lemon, butter, and garlic on these chicken strips. If you need a quick and simple recipe that is perfect for weeknight evenings, look no further than this easy recipe. In just 15 minutes, you can serve this dish to the whole family.
This is a healthier alternative to your usual breaded and deep fried chicken tenders. It would be great knowing that your family is eating a healthy meal that is very tasty!
4. NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS
This naked chicken tender recipe has a lot of seasonings which makes it flavorful. Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and more give this a kick and a lot of depth. If you love spicy food, just add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The chicken tenders have no breading on them, so this dish is low in carbs.
This meal can be done in less than 30 minutes! If you are in a rush or got home late, this is the dish for you. These are air fried chicken tenders but, if you don't have an air fryer, they can also be cooked in the oven. Check the full recipe to know more about it!
5. SPICY THAI CHICKEN TENDERS
These spicy Thai chicken tenders are covered with panko bread crumbs, fried to perfection, and then blended into a delicious spicy sauce. They are delicious and take under 20 minutes from beginning to end! Your mouth will water just by looking at it! The Thai sauce is not that spicy but you can always adjust the amount of spice to meet your taste needs.
You can serve this with some hot rice and veggies. Your family or friends will be impressed with this delicious chicken tender recipe once you serve it to them. This is a must-try!
6. ASIAN GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS
These Asian chicken tenders are something else! For a different take on grilled chicken, you should try this! It's very well seasoned with some ginger paste, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha. You are going to save a lot of money with this recipe.
Believe me when I say that if you like Asian take-outs, you'll love how easy it is to make these juicy, family-style grilled strips. This is a simple grilled chicken recipe with a tasty marinade everyone is going to love. Complete your meal with side dishes like rice and stir fried vegetables.
7. AIR FRYER GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERLOINS
These grilled chicken tenderloins in the air fryer will be a new family favorite at your house! This is a simple homemade dish that does not require many ingredients. Some of it you might already have in your pantry. To make this recipe all you need is chicken tenderloins, olive oil, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
In a matter of 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal on the table! This dish is pretty simple yet the taste of the spices added to it is so yummy! A picky eater will approve this easy chicken dinner.
8. RICE KRISPIES CHICKEN TENDERS
I think the kids will love this recipe. These are two things they like eating – rice Krispies and chicken. Bring them together and you have got a perfect combination! This can be eaten for dinner or also for some after-school munchies for the kids to enjoy.
The rice Krispie coating adds an extra crunch to the chicken tenders! I used to be hooked on using panko crumbs to coat my chicken, but these rice Krispies make some seriously crunchy chicken tenders! Since it's fried, it can easily be paired with any side dish, and don't forget your favorite dipping sauce. Mine is honey mustard sauce!!
9. CHICK-FIL-A CHICKEN TENDERS (COPYCAT RECIPE)
Are you always craving some chicken strips from Chick-Fil-A? Try out this copycat recipe so you can have an unlimited supply of these tasty chicken tenders whenever you want at home! Instead of buying and buying why not make one yourself, am I right?
These will also have the great taste of the Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders that everybody loves! Plus, this recipe is gluten-free so it is healthier than the original recipe! The outside has that crispy crunch and the juicy inside. All you need is a side dish and a dipping sauce, and you are all set! Try these with BBQ sauce or make your own blackened ranch dipping sauce.
10. BBQ BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN BITES
Who doesn't love bacon?! Image chicken pieces wrapped in bacon sounds incredible! And it tastes even better! It's a great appetizer to start your meal. You will not get enough of these. You won't be surprised if this will be all finished by the whole family in just a minute!
This recipe is good for 16 people and it only takes a total of 45 minutes to cook and prepare! I'm sure kids will love this. Also, the BBQ glaze on this balances out the whole thing. To make this, you are going to need 4 things – bacon, chicken tenders, bbq seasoning, and bbq sauce.
11. CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE PINWHEELS
Are you having a hard time feeding your kids vegetables? These pinwheels are a great way to incorporate veggies into their meal. It's amazing how everything goes perfectly together. You are going to love how creamy and cheesy these are especially with the cooked chicken tenderloin pieces inside.
These chicken and vegetable pinwheels are just like small bite sized burritos. This recipe is very easy to make, your kids can even help out with assembling and mixing everything together.
12. BAKED CHICKEN TENDERLOIN PARMESAN SLIDERS
These baked chicken tenderloin parmesan sliders are simple to make. You are going to find yourself making these over and over again. It is that good! This is the perfect meal to make when you are too lazy to cook or even if you are too busy and just don't have the time to cook a fancy meal. You will love the flavor of the parmesan cheese and chicken!
Just assemble the sliders on a baking sheet and throw them in the oven. You'll have a delicious dinner in an hour! This recipe makes 12 sliders, plenty enough for the entire family!
13. AIR FRYER CURRY CHICKEN KABOBS
If you haven't had kabobs before, now is the time to try them! You won't regret it. That spice flavor and the fresh taste of the vegetables are just so yummy! This is great to make for small gatherings too.
The ingredients needed for this recipe can easily be bought at any grocery store. You are going to need chicken tenders, bell peppers (mixture of yellow, green, and red), cherry or grape tomatoes, yellow onions, green curry paste, fresh basil, coconut milk, and chicken broth. This will probably become one of your favorite recipes and it is a quick dinner to make.
14. EASY OVEN BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE
These parmesan crusted oven baked chicken tenders are created with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fragrant spices for a simple weekday dinner that the whole family will enjoy. They're quite simple to prepare and you can tailor them to your family's preferences.
These parmesan and panko chicken tenders with a variety of seasonings baked in the oven improve the flavor without adding a lot of calories. Kids will adore these crispy chicken tenders, which are particularly crunchy on the outside while remaining supple and juicy on the inside thanks to the parmesan cheese.
15. GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS
Marinated in lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, these grilled chicken tenders are roasted to golden brown perfection. This is the ultimate family main course! Chicken tenders are affordable, fast to prepare, and ideal for grilling. With the addition of a simple marinade, you'll have soft and tasty chicken that's terrific on its own, in a salad, or with a pasta dish.
During the cold season, you can also use a grill pan on the stove instead of a charcoal barbecue to cook these grilled chicken tenders. You will be able to achieve a similar outcome without lighting a fire. This recipe is quick to make, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and cook these!
16. EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERLOIN RECIPE
You can't go wrong with this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe if you're searching for a quick snack or a fun supper idea! This air fryer chicken recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, and it's very simple thanks to the air fryer! The majority of the ingredients are probably already in your refrigerator or cupboard!
These go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You may even make chicken nuggets for the kids by cutting them even smaller.
17. COCONUT CHICKEN TENDERS WITH SPICY MANGO SAUCE
These Coconut Chicken Tenders with Spicy Mango Sauce are crispy, savory, and irresistible! They're so simple to create that you'll have a large batch prepared in no time. The ideal appetizer for a large group! Look no further than these coconut chicken tenders with spicy mango sauce for fantastic party food or a tasty weekday meal that the whole family will enjoy.
They're a delectable mix of sweet and salty & tender and crunchy, your guests will surely be wanting even more of it! Check out the full recipe now to know more about this amazing dish!
18. OVEN BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE
This baked chicken tenders recipe will become one of your favorites! They're juicy and delicious, with minimal effort and maximum taste owing to the ranch dressing! This recipe will appeal to everyone who enjoys baked chicken. On some days, other people would want is a nutritious food that tastes great, like these baked ranch chicken tenders. They are simple, quick, and easy to make. They're juicy and go great with a dipping sauce like ranch.
The ingredients are pretty basic, all you are going to need is of course chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, some ranch seasoning, eggs, and panko bread crumbs. And if you don't have a special recipe yet to make an incredible ranch dipping sauce, these are the ingredients to make one, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Click the link to view the full recipe for these baked chicken tenders!
19. COPYCAT CRACKER BARREL GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE
One of the most popular southern restaurants is Cracker Barrel. If you have been seeking for an excellent copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel's grilled chicken tenders, this is the perfect recipe to try! Grilled chicken has a distinct flavor whether eaten with vegetables, on a sandwich, or in a large green salad.
This recipe is delicious and not to mention, healthy too! There are only 4 ingredients needed for this copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tender recipe, boneless skinless chicken tenderloins, low fat zesty Italian salad dressing, honey, and lemon juice (lime juice can also be used).
20. GRILLED CHICKEN FINGERS
It doesn't matter if you are a kid, an adult, or a picky eater, you will be pleased with this grilled chicken fingers recipe. They're also flavorful. Even though the flavor is moderate and kid-friendly, it penetrates all the way to the chicken tender's cores.
Instead of grilling full chicken breasts, try out these grilled chicken tenders. Cooking a recipe you would ordinarily only have in a restaurant at home will give you a lot of pleasure. And chicken tenders cooked from scratch are no exception.
21. HOMEMADE CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE
These Chicken Tenders will make your entire family delighted. These baked chicken strips are not only wonderful, but they're also less in fat and have a fewer calorie count than fried chicken tenders. This might be a simple meal but it will definitely tickle your taste buds.
These chicken strips are fantastic! They bake up to crispy perfection, while the chicken remains moist and tender, thanks to this recipe. And, best of all, this kid-friendly supper is nutritious, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
22. SHEET PAN HONEY BALSAMIC CHICKEN TENDERS AND VEGETABLES
What better way to feed your whole family than this sheet pan honey balsamic chicken tenders and vegetables. All that beautiful colors on a plate are just amazing to look at. You already know it is going to taste heavenly. I'm sure most mom's out there know the struggle of thinking about what to cook for dinner, luckily sheet pan meals were created!
No more worrying, cooking for hours, and most of all no more big mess to clean up after all the preparation! This sheet pan honey balsamic chicken tender recipe will change your life!
23. CHICKEN FINGERS IN THE AIR FRYER
We all love an easy meal to cook, good thing there are a lot of chicken tenderloin recipes to choose from! Speaking of an easy meal, these chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer only takes 20 minutes of your time of preparing and cooking! This recipe makes about 14 strips of chicken fingers, it cannot get easier than that!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders combine a childhood favorite with a nutritious midweek dinner! They're a homemade version of everyone's favorite childhood dish, created with simple ingredients. No need to go out and buy from fast food restaurants anymore!
24. BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
Thanks to a few tweaks in the preparation method of this recipe, these buffalo chicken tenders are cooked to crispy perfection. These baked tenders are bursting with flavor and a kick of heat. Prepare to be addicted if you dip them in blue cheese or ranch dressing.
It's difficult to make crunchy, crispy chicken tenders without a lot of oil or a deep fryer, but you have got to check out the full recipe to find out the tricks to assure ultra-crispy chicken.
25. BBQ POTATO CHIPS CHICKEN TENDERS
BBQ Potato Chips? Good! Chicken Tenders? Good! Put them together… amazing! These BBQ potato chips chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal recipe that can be prepared in about 30 minutes. Each chicken tender is covered in Barbecue potato chips and dredged in Greek yogurt (you can also use sour cream).
They're cooked until the outsides are crispy and the insides are juicy. You and the whole family are going to love these especially the kids!
26. POPEYE'S CHICKEN STRIPS (COPYCAT)
Out of all these chicken tenderloin recipes, this must be the one you were looking for. If you don't live near a Popeye's Chicken location, you have no idea how important it is to share this recipe. Popeye's fried chicken is legendary for its spicy, smokey, and crispy excellence. This recipe will let you know how to cook these in a skillet, deep fryer, and an air fryer.
27. BAKED PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS
Baked parmesan chicken tenders with a delightful variety of roasted vegetables – a whole, well-rounded, nutritious dinner made just on one sheet pan! You'll be surprised that this recipe for 4 servings only costs $12.83! The prep and cook time of 1 hour will be worth it once you try this yummy recipe! You can also try it out with different side dishes if you want.
28. FREEZER CHICKEN TENDERS
Chicken tenderloin recipes don't have to be complicated in order for them to taste yummy. These freezer chicken tenders are ideal for making meal preps. You can make many batches ahead of time and keep them frozen. Pull them out on a hectic night, bake from frozen, and dinner is ready in 30 minutes!
It's simple to make multiple batches at once to stock your freezer, and you can bake them directly from frozen, eliminating the need to thaw anything! All you have to worry about is which side dish you want to eat it with.
29. SMOKED CHICKEN TENDERS – 3 WAYS
All families are different. Some families have different tastes. If you're looking for a recipe that will satisfy everyone, this smoked chicken tenders is the one for you! Cook them all together but with 3 different seasonings. Even if you're cooking the same thing over and over again, changing up the seasonings can offer diversity to your meal plan. You can also experiment and come up with your own seasoning mixes!
30. ITALIAN CHICKEN STRIPS
Kids will absolutely be excited with these Italian chicken strips! Plus, knowing that we're eating genuine chicken rather than some meat with extenders is so much better! Homemade food is always of higher quality and tastes the best! These Italian chicken strips are a simple meal that is seasoned to perfection.
31. EASY LOW CARB AIR FRIED BBQ BROWN SUGAR CHICKEN STRIPS RECIPE
You won't be able to stop eating these keto chicken tenders. BBQ chicken strips that are low in carbs and delicious. The whole family, including the kids, will enjoy this simple keto chicken recipe. Even if they aren't on a keto diet, these chicken tenders will be devoured.
32. CRACK CHICKEN TACOS RECIPE
Don't want the typical chicken tender strip recipes? Why don't you try out this mouth-watering crack chicken taco recipe? The taste of the sauce on these chicken tenders will have you addicted! It's a great recipe for small gatherings or even just for a family dinner.
33. TERIYAKI CHICKEN KABOBS
These teriyaki chicken kabobs are a simple kebab recipe that is ideal for summer grilling parties with friends and family. The teriyaki chicken is very juicy and flavorful all on one stick! All of these chicken tenderloin recipes are great but I'm not sure what it is about grilled food on a stick, it just tastes better. Don't you agree? They're a great blend of tender marinated chicken with fruits and vegetables, whether served alone or with rice or beans.
33. GRILLED MOJITO BBQ CHICKEN TENDERLOINS
Lime is always a great flavor for warm months. The different spices and ingredients in these grilled Mojito BBQ chicken tenderloins will make your mouth smile.
These are great on the grill or even cooked inside with a grilling pan on the stove. The whole family will enjoy this flavorful and easy dinner!
Now that you have a huge list of awesome chicken tenderloin recipes to choose from…which ones will you try first?
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