Naked Italian Chicken Tenders

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This has become one of my go-to meals for busy weekdays. It’s so light and flavorful, which makes it perfect for a hot summer day (or any other day, because it’s that good).

All you need is: chicken tenderloins, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, pepper, and butter or olive oil.

Start by mixing your spices in a small bowl and then set aside.

Wash your chicken tenderloins and then pat them dry with a paper towel. If you’re like me and don’t like to touch the chicken, you can put a pair of these gloves on while handling them to keep your hands clean.

Trim any fat from the chicken and then sprinkle your seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken. Let your seasoned chicken rest while you heat up your butter or oil in the pan. I just use a large skillet. I’ve made these with butter and oil before. They both come out tasting good, but you already know I prefer the butter!

Heat your butter (or oil) on medium-high heat. Once it’s heated, add your chicken tenders to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. They will cook better and crisp up more if you spread them out a little. You may have to cook them in batches.

Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4-6 minutes. Then flip them over (I use these tongs to flip mine), put the lid back on, and cook the other side for another 4-6 minutes, or until no longer pink. The size of your tenders will determine how long it takes to cook them. You don’t want to overcook them and dry them out. Mine usually are done after about 4-5 minutes on each side. I just cut the thickest one open before I pull them up to check and make sure they are fully cooked.

They will be nice and brown/golden on the outside when they are done. Put them on a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

I love serving these with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and either broccoli or green beans, and buttery biscuits. Yum!!! Mac and cheese would be another great side! Check out my Southern Mac & Cheese recipe! It’s one of my favorites!

This is one of those easy and quick meals you can make on a busy night. I can usually have these chicken tenders done from start to finish in less than 20 minutes! That’s a win if you ask me!

If you want to make this a lighter/healthier meal:

• Use the olive oil instead of the butter.
• Serve with sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes.
• Serve with broccoli or green beans.

What are your favorite sides to serve up with chicken?

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Naked Italian Chicken Tenders

Flavorful, juicy chicken tenders. Perfect for a light meal the whole family will love, and quick to cook on busy weeknights.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: budgetfriendlymeals, chickenstrips, chickentenders, easyrecipe, easyweeknightdinner, italianchicken

Servings: 4 people

Author: Samantha

Ingredients

• 6-8 chicken tenderloins (or cut your own chicken tenders from chicken breasts)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

• Mix all of the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
• Wash chicken tenders, pat dry, and trim any excess fat.
• Sprinkle seasoning mixture onto both sides of chicken tenders.
• Heat butter (or oil) in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
• Once the pan is heated, place chicken tenders into it being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if you need to.
• Cover them with a lid and cook for 4-6 minutes.
• Remove lid, flip chicken tenders over, and cook for another 4-6 minutes on the other side or until no longer pink. The outside ahould be nice and brown when they are finished cooking.
• Place the tenders on a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Recipe from Florassippi Girl.

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