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Chicken Tenderloin Recipes

by Corinne Schmitt

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Craving a simple yet delicious meal? These quick and easy chicken tenderloin recipes will save the day.

Rotisserie Chicken Tenderloin on a serving white plate, with text title reading Chicken Tenderloin Recipes.

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)

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.

2. Classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

closeup overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders on a white plate next to a red and white checkered cloth and green beans in a glass bowl

These air fryer chicken tenders are crisp, golden, and absolutely delicious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in seconds.

3. Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken on a plate with sauce and a fork.

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.

4. Teriyaki Chicken Tenders

Teriyaki Chicken Tenders

Asian chicken wings on a white plate with sesame seeds.

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.

5. Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders

Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken fingers with tzatziki sauce on a plate.

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.

6. Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken wings with dipping sauce on a white plate.

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.

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

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.

8. Garlic Chicken Parmesan

Garlic Chicken Parmesan

Chicken breasts and green beans on a plate.

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.

9. Baked Chicken in Honey Mustard

Baked Chicken in Honey Mustard

Chicken in a baking dish with a spoon.

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!

10. Rotisserie Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Rotisserie Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Chicken breasts on a white plate with a red and white checkered tablecloth.

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.

11. Spicy Baked Chicken Strips

Spicy Baked Chicken Strips

Fried chicken strips on a cooling rack.

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.

12. Crispy Chicken Tenders with Apricot Dipping Sauce

Crispy Chicken Tenders with Apricot Dipping Sauce

A plate of fried chicken with a sauce on it.

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.

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

Keto Low-carb Instant Pot Queso Chicken

A plate of food on a red and white cloth.

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.

14. Chicken Tenders Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Tenders Parmesan Pasta

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and herbs.

This one is a crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken and pasta smothered in a rich Parmesan sauce—it’s comfort food at its finest.

15. BBQ Frozen Chicken Tenders

BBQ Frozen Chicken Tenders

Instant pot bbq chicken wings on a plate.

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.

16. Quick and Easy Chicken Madeira

Quick and Easy Chicken Madeira

A white plate with mushrooms and bread on it.

Tender chicken drenched in a zesty mushroom sauce, topped off with mozzarella. This simple yet delicious dinner pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies.

17. Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano

A white plate with chicken and sauce on it.

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.

18. Instant Pot Tennessee Chicken

Instant Pot Tennessee Chicken

A white plate with chicken, rice and salad.

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.

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

Graham Cracker Fried Chicken Fingers

Fried chicken with honey and crackers on a plate.

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.

20. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

A tray of fried chicken fingers with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

Dipped in buttermilk and fried to a crispy golden brown, these chicken tenders are the definition of comfort food.

21. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Chicken and peppers in a skillet.

Fancy something a bit Italian? This Olive Garden-inspired chicken scampi is creamy, garlicky, and absolutely divine.

22. Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Chicken and broccoli in a skillet with lemon slices.

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.

24. Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Mexican tacos with guacamole and sour cream.

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.

24. Coconut Chicken with Chili Powder

Coconut Chicken with Chili Powder

Fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet with sauce.

This easy dish brings together the sweetness of coconut and the warmth of chili powder for a flavor combination you won’t soon forget.

25. Copycat KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Copycat KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Chicken wings on a plate with dipping sauce.

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.

❓ FAQs

Is chicken tenderloin healthy?

Chicken tenderloins are generally considered a healthy choice because they are lean cuts of chicken meat. They are low in fat and calories, making them a good source of protein without adding excessive amounts of unhealthy fats to your diet.

Is tenderloin better than chicken breast?

Whether tenderloin is better than chicken breast depends on personal preference. Tenderloin is generally considered more tender and flavorful.

What is the white thing in a chicken tenderloin?

The white thing in a chicken tenderloin is usually connective tissue or fat, which can be trimmed off before cooking for a leaner result.

5 from 19 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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