Stovetop Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Flavorful, juicy chicken tenders in a buttery lemon garlic sauce, ready in just 25 minutes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you cook them on the stovetop or in the air fryer, these chicken tenders come out tender, delicious, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

With just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this meal is ideal for weeknights when you need something fast but delicious.

Bold, Fresh Flavors

The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon juice creates a bright, tangy, and savory sauce that perfectly coats the juicy chicken.

Healthy & Protein-Packed

Each serving has 32g of protein, making it a great choice for a balanced meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Versatile Cooking Options

You can make these chicken tenders on the stovetop or in the air fryer, depending on your preference.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 lbs (907g) chicken tenders
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ cup (118ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 lemon, juiced

Notes on Quality

For the best results, use fresh chicken tenders, high-quality butter, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh garlic adds a stronger and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap dried thyme for Italian seasoning for a more herby flavor
• Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a neutral taste and a higher smoke point
• Replace smoked paprika with regular paprika or chili powder for different spice levels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stovetop Method

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with onion powder, salt, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
• Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Return the chicken to the pan and flip it back and forth to coat it in the lemon garlic sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken tenders with all the dry seasonings.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook in batches if needed.
5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a skillet, adding garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth, and simmering until reduced.
6. Once the chicken is done, coat it in the sauce and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps it sear properly.
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful bits from the pan when adding the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t skip resting the chicken for a minute or two before serving to lock in juices.

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours for easy meal prep.
• Use pre-minced garlic or frozen garlic cubes to save chopping time.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These lemon garlic butter chicken tenders pair well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer to start your meal, try these Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms or these Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken on a large platter with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Beverage Pairings

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light and refreshing lemonade.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep them juicy.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips for the same effect.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• To make this recipe dairy-free, replace butter with extra olive oil.
• To make it low-sodium, reduce the salt and use low-sodium broth.

Flavor Twists

• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamy lemon butter sauce.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a holiday twist, serve this chicken alongside festive side dishes like these Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers.

Conclusion

These stovetop lemon garlic butter chicken tenders are an easy and flavorful meal that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With their juicy texture, bold flavors, and quick cooking time, they are perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. If you love it, don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on my Pinterest page.

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