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The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Tenderloins


  • Author: M

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Tender Chicken Strips

Core Ingredients:

  • 1 lb tender chicken strips (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Marinades:

  • Garlic Butter Marinade:
    • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
  • Lemon Herb Marinade:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Spicy Kick Marinade:
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon honey

 

 


Instructions

Instructions for Cooking Juicy Chicken Pieces

1. Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat the tender chicken cuts dry with a paper towel.
  2. If marinating, mix your chosen marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag and coat the strips. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Choose Your Cooking Method

A. Baking

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the tender pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

B. Pan-Searing

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken portions to the skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
  3. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.

C. Grilling

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with additional marinade as they cook.

3. Serve and Garnish

  1. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.