Easy Chicken Tender Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients

Are you looking for a simple yet delicious dinner option? Chicken tenders are the answer! They are quick to prepare, versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike. In this article, we’ll explore some easy chicken tender recipes that require just a few ingredients, making your dinner prep a breeze.

Benefits of Using Chicken Tenders

Quick Cooking Time

Chicken tenders cook faster than whole chicken breasts, making them perfect for a quick dinner.

Versatility

You can cook chicken tenders in various ways—fried, baked, grilled, or even air-fried.

Kid-Friendly

Kids love chicken tenders! They are easy to eat and can be paired with many kid-favorite dips and sides.

Essential Tips for Cooking Chicken Tenders

Choosing the Right Chicken

opt for fresh, organic chicken tenders for the best flavor and quality.

Prepping the Chicken

Ensure the chicken is dry before cooking to get that perfect crispy texture.

Cooking Methods

Experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite—whether it’s frying for crispiness or baking for a healthier option.

Recipe 1: Classic Breaded Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each tender in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe 2: Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook the tenders in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 10 minutes.

Recipe 3: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Parmesan and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
3. Dip tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.

Recipe 4: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken tenders in the sauce mixture.
3. Grill or bake the tenders until fully cooked, about 15 minutes.

Recipe 5: Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken tenders in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until done, about 10 minutes.

Recipe 6: BBQ Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Coat chicken tenders in BBQ sauce.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked.

Recipe 7: Teriyaki Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken tenders in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 10 minutes.

Recipe 8: Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken tenders in Cajun seasoning.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until done, about 10 minutes.

Recipe 9: Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix coconut and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
3. Dip tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut mixture.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.

Recipe 10: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken tenders with the mixture.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

There you have it—ten easy and delicious chicken tender recipes that require just a few ingredients. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and will satisfy your family’s cravings. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and find your favorite!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

How do I store leftover chicken tenders?

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?

Some popular dipping sauces include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and buffalo sauce.

How can I make chicken tenders healthier?

Try baking or air frying instead of deep frying, and use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great way to cook chicken tenders with less oil and fewer calories