Craving a simple yet delicious meal? These quick and easy chicken tenderloin recipes will save the day.
Chicken tenderloins are my go-to whenever I need something that cooks up in a flash. My personal favorite is this Keto Instant Pot Queso Chicken recipe, but when I’m really busy and don’t have time to make sauces, a simple Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (Shake and Bake) does the trick.
Best Chicken Tenderloin Recipes
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 25 chicken tenderloin recipes that are sure to wow family, friends, and guests. Some of them are air fried, others baked, but all of them are easy to prepare and big on flavor.
Easy Chicken Tenderloin Recipes Using Air Fryer
Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Plus, it cooks food quickly and evenly. Here are some easy air fryer chicken tenderloin recipes you will surely enjoy.
1. Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (Shake and Bake)
This recipe is so simple! Simply coat the chicken in a shake and bake mixture, then put them in the air fryer. The result? Perfectly crispy and flavorful tenderloins that your family will love.
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2. Classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders are crisp, golden, and absolutely delicious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in seconds.
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3. Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Spice up your dinner with these buffalo chicken tenders. They're zesty, a little spicy, and utterly irresistible. Pair them with some cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delightful contrast.
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4. Teriyaki Chicken Tenders
Add an Asian twist to your meal with these Teriyaki Chicken Tenders. The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce make these tenders an appetizing treat.
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5. Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
If you haven't tried pickle-brined chicken tenders, you're missing out! The brine adds a unique tanginess that's out of this world.
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6. Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
If you want your tenders unbreaded, this recipe is perfect for you. Just season the tenderloins with a bit of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, cook them in the air fryer, and serve.
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Baked Chicken Recipes for Your Next Weeknight Dinner
Baking is a fantastic way to lock in the flavors and juices of the chicken. Here are some of my favorites.
7. Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are coated in a delightful ranch seasoning and baked to perfection. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of that classic ranch flavor we all love.
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8. Garlic Chicken Parmesan
This dish is a little twist on the traditional Chicken Parmesan. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, and the Parmesan… oh, it gets so beautifully melty and golden.
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9. Baked Chicken in Honey Mustard
These honey mustard glazed chicken tenders are just the right mix of sweet and tangy. They come out looking so inviting with that lovely glaze—it's hard to resist!
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10. Rotisserie Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
This recipe mimics the flavors of a rotisserie chicken but with the ease of baking. It results in moist, flavorful tenderloins that can be served on their own or shredded for salads and wraps.
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11. Spicy Baked Chicken Strips
For those who like a bit of a kick, these spicy baked chicken strips are just the thing. The spices create a lovely heat that's balanced perfectly with the chicken's natural flavors.
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12. Crispy Chicken Tenders with Apricot Dipping Sauce
Apricot dipping sauce might not sound like the most appetizing dip, but trust me, the sweet tangy flavors of the apricot taste really good with the chicken.
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Instant Pot Chicken Tender Recipes
If you’re like me and love your Instant Pot, you’re going to enjoy these recipes. They’re perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
13. Keto Low-carb Instant Pot Queso Chicken
For my keto friends out there, this Queso Chicken is a dream come true. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, all while keeping it low-carb.
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14. Chicken Tenders Parmesan Pasta
This one is a crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken and pasta smothered in a rich Parmesan sauce—it’s comfort food at its finest.
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15. BBQ Frozen Chicken Tenders
Steam your frozen chicken tenders, slather them in your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. The result? Incredibly flavorful chicken recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy.
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16. Quick and Easy Chicken Madeira
Tender chicken drenched in a zesty mushroom sauce, topped off with mozzarella. This simple yet delicious dinner pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies.
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17. Lemon Chicken Romano
If you’re in the mood for something zesty, this lemon chicken romano is just the ticket. It’s juicy, fragrant, and has just the right amount of zing.
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18. Instant Pot Tennessee Chicken
This chicken recipe is smoky, a bit spicy, and has a depth of flavor that’s simply wow. A wonderful way to bring some Southern charm to your dinner table.
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Easy to Prepare Stovetop Chicken Recipes
Don’t have an air fryer or an Instant Pot? No worries! Here are some fabulous chicken tender recipes that require regular pots and pans.
19. Graham Cracker Fried Chicken Fingers
These chicken fingers are coated in crushed graham crackers for an out of this world sweet-meets-savory crunch. They’re fun, they’re tasty, and they’re sure to be a hit with kiddos.
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20. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Dipped in buttermilk and fried to a crispy golden brown, these chicken tenders are the definition of comfort food.
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21. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Fancy something a bit Italian? This Olive Garden-inspired chicken scampi is creamy, garlicky, and absolutely divine.
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22. Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
This recipe is all about the rich flavor of garlic and the creamy goodness of butter. It’s a simple combination, but the result is anything but ordinary.
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24. Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Add a little fiesta to your dinner with these chicken tinga tacos. The combination of the smoky chicken with the sweet and zesty salsa is a dance of flavors in your mouth.
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24. Coconut Chicken with Chili Powder
This easy dish brings together the sweetness of coconut and the warmth of chili powder for a flavor combination you won’t soon forget.
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25. Copycat KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Craving some spicy, Southern-style chicken? These Nashville hot chicken tenders are just what you need. They’re spicy, super flavorful, and perfect to munch on any time of day.
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❓ FAQs
Chicken Tenderloin Recipes
Craving a simple yet delicious meal? These quick and easy chicken tenderloin recipes will save the day.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (Shake and Bake)
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tender
- Teriyaki Chicken Tenders
- Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
Baked Chicken Recipes
- Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Chicken Parmesan
- Baked Chicken in Honey Mustard
- Rotisserie Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
- Spicy Baked Chicken Strips
- Crispy Chicken Tenders with Apricot Dipping Sauce
Instant Pot Recipes
- Keto Low-carb Instant Pot Queso Chicken
- Chicken Tenders Parmesan Pasta
- BBQ Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Quick and Easy Chicken Madeira
- Lemon Chicken Romano
- Instant Pot Tennessee Chicken
Stovetop Recipes
- Graham Cracker Fried Chicken Fingers
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
- Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
- Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
- Coconut Chicken with Chili Powder
- Copycat KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Instructions
- Select your favorite side.
- Gather all of the ingredients you need.
- Prepare the recipe and enjoy!
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