Skillet Chicken Tenderloins (Saute on Stovetop)

A delicious dinner that the whole family can enjoy is just minutes away with this easy recipe for Skillet Chicken Tenderloins. You only need olive oil, chicken strips, and your favorite seasoning mix to make this simple 30-minute meal.

The best part is that it’s easy to make extra to enjoy throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

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If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, you can’t go wrong with this versatile chicken tender recipe. Skillet chicken is one of my favorite quick fixes! With just three ingredients, you can have an easy chicken dinner protein ready in just minutes without a lot of fuss or mess.

Not only that, but you can mix and match the seasonings you use or how you serve the pan-fried chicken tenders so that you’re never bored. This is a great way to enjoy a chicken dinner without a lot of work.

Why Make This

It’s quick. Cooking chicken tenderloins on the stove top takes just a few minutes when you’ve got a favorite spice mix on hand. You can easily make a big batch in the same time it takes to make one meal. It’s a great alternative to deep frying and much more accessible for busy weeknights.

It’s delicious. Quickly cooking chicken fillets or tenders in a large skillet keeps them tender and juicy without drying out. Seasoned with cajun seasoning or another favorite spice mix, the chicken is a perfect main dish on its own or added to your favorite recipes calling for cooked chicken.

It’s a great meal prep. I love to make a big batch of these homemade chicken tenders at the beginning of the week. We can enjoy them for a dinner with some favorite sides and leftover chicken tenders are so handy for packing lunches the next day!

Ingredients 

Here’s what you’ll need for Skillet Chicken Tenderloins:

olive oil – I like to use olive oil for sautéing, but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.

chicken tenderloins – Also known as chicken tenders or chicken strips, these are a thin strip of chicken attached to the breast. They are often sold on their own in the meat department of the grocery store or in bags in the freezer section. Frozen chicken tenderloins have been a kitchen staple in my house for years. They are cheap to buy, quick to thaw, and easy to cook up. You can also use chicken cutlets or cut chicken breast meat into strips.

favorite seasoning – You can use your favorite spice mix that contains salt and black pepper or mix and match your spices, such as using Italian seasoning alongside salt and pepper. When you’re generous with the spices, it makes a nice crispy crust on the outside of the meat.

Pro tip: If you prefer more of a fried chicken flavor, be sure to try our crispy fried chicken strips for another easy dinner option. Those are a family favorite as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Skillet Chicken Tenderloins:

Season the chicken pieces generously with the spice mix.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and allow them to cook in the pan, undisturbed.

Saute the chicken, turning once, until cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. The chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Test the largest pieces with a meat thermometer to verify food safety.

Serve the chicken tenderloins hot, warm, or cold with rice, potato wedges, or pasta. They are delicious with ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping.

To make this as a meal prep: Prepare the chicken according to the recipe and divide the batch into 4 meal prep containers along with your preferred side dishes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Consume within 4 days.

To make this as a freezer meal: Prepare the chicken according to the recipe and allow it to cool. Wrap in an airtight container or ziptop freezer bag and chill in the fridge until very cold. Then transfer to the freezer. Store for up to 6 weeks. Thaw before serving.

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