Chicken tenderloins are a versatile and tasty cut of meat. They cook quickly and work well in many different recipes.

You can use them to make easy weeknight dinners or fancier meals for special occasions.

With over 27 chicken tenderloin recipes to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to cook. These recipes include options like chicken fingers, stir-fries, salads, and pasta dishes.

You can bake, grill, or pan-fry the tenderloins depending on the recipe. There are choices to suit many tastes and dietary needs.

1. Grilled Lemon Herbs Chicken Tenderloin

Grilled lemon herb chicken tenderloin is a tasty and easy dish. You’ll love how the bright citrus and fresh herbs bring out the best in the chicken.

To make it, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs like parsley and thyme. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.

Put this mixture in a bag with the chicken tenderloins.

Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak in.

When you’re ready, fire up the grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the tenderloins for about 3-4 minutes per side. They’ll be done when they reach 165°F inside. The result is juicy chicken with a zesty lemon herb taste.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloin

Honey garlic chicken tenderloin is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love the sweet and savory mix of flavors.

Start by coating your chicken tenders in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook them in a skillet until they’re golden brown on both sides.

For the sauce, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of vinegar. Pour this over your cooked tenders and let it simmer for a few minutes.

The result is juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful coating. Serve it with rice or veggies for a full meal.

3. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenderloin

Parmesan crusted chicken tenderloins are a tasty twist on classic chicken parmesan. You can make this dish quickly for a family-friendly weeknight meal.

To prepare, dip chicken tenders in buttermilk, then coat them with a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Bake the coated tenders in a hot oven until golden brown and crispy.

You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or top them with sauce and mozzarella for a mini chicken parmesan.

This recipe is easy to customize. Try adding herbs or spices to the breading mix for extra flavor.

4. Buffalo Chicken Tenderloin Bites

Buffalo chicken tenderloin bites are a tasty twist on classic buffalo wings. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by cutting chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Coat the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy exterior.

Fry the chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through.

Toss them in buffalo sauce for that signature spicy flavor.

Serve your buffalo chicken tenderloin bites with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. They’re perfect for game day snacks or casual gatherings.

5. Tangy BBQ Chicken Tenderloin

BBQ chicken tenderloins are a tasty meal for busy weeknights. You can make them in the oven or on the grill.

The key is a good BBQ sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.

To make these, coat your chicken tenders in your favorite BBQ sauce.

Cook them until they’re done inside and have a nice glaze on the outside.

You can serve these with a side salad or some roasted veggies. They’re also great in sandwiches or wraps. Kids and adults both love this simple, flavorful dish.

6. Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenderloin

You’ll love these crispy coconut chicken tenders. They’re crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

To make them, coat chicken tenderloins in flour seasoned with spices. Dip them in beaten egg, then cover with shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.

Fry the coated tenders in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 6 minutes per side.

Serve your crispy coconut chicken tenders with a dipping sauce. Sweet chili sauce or honey mustard work great. These tenders make a tasty appetizer or main dish.

7. Teriyaki Chicken Tenderloin Skewers

Teriyaki chicken tenderloin skewers are a tasty and easy meal option. You can make them on the grill or in the oven.

Start by marinating the chicken tenderloins in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. This gives them a sweet and savory flavor.

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning.

Grill the skewers for about 11 minutes, turning once. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Brush extra teriyaki sauce on the chicken while cooking for more flavor.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

8. Baked Ranch Chicken Tenderloin

Baked ranch chicken tenderloin is a tasty and easy meal. You coat chicken tenders in ranch seasoning mix and bread crumbs. Then you bake them in the oven until crispy.

This dish is perfect for family dinners. It’s simple to make and kids love it.

You can serve it with veggies or a salad for a complete meal.

To make it, dip the chicken in ranch dressing mix first. Then coat it in egg and bread crumbs.

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, flipping once. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside.

9. Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloin

Garlic butter chicken tenderloin is a quick and tasty meal you can make in under 30 minutes.

You’ll need chicken tenderloins, butter, garlic, and some basic seasonings.

Start by melting butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Cook the tenderloins in the garlic butter for about 4-5 minutes per side. They should be golden brown and cooked through.

Serve your garlic butter chicken tenderloins with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. This dish goes well with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenderloin

This tasty dish combines sweet honey with tangy mustard for a flavorful glaze. You can marinate the chicken tenders for 2-8 hours to infuse them with flavor.

To make the glaze, mix honey, mustard, and seasonings in a bowl. Coat the chicken tenders evenly with the mixture.

Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes, turning once. Brush on extra glaze during cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish.

You can also bake these in the oven. Place the glazed tenders on a lined baking sheet and cook at 450°F until done.

The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and savory honey mustard coating. Serve with your favorite sides for an easy meal.

11. Spicy Szechuan Chicken Tenderloin

Spicy Szechuan chicken tenderloin brings the heat to your dinner table. You’ll love this fiery twist on a classic Chinese dish.

Start by coating your chicken tenderloins in flour and egg. This creates a crispy outer layer when cooked. Let them rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

For the sauce, heat chili bean paste with oil in a skillet. Add Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies for that signature numbing spice.

Fry the coated tenderloins until golden, then toss them in the spicy sauce.

The result is crispy, tender chicken with a bold, complex flavor that balances heat and savory notes.

12. Almond Crusted Chicken Tenderloin

Almond crusted chicken tenderloin is a tasty and healthy twist on classic chicken tenders. You’ll love the crispy exterior and juicy interior of this dish.

To make it, coat chicken tenderloins in almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and spices. Dip the chicken in beaten eggs before coating it in the almond mixture.

Cook the tenders in a pan with oil over medium heat until golden brown. This cooking method gives you a satisfying crunch without deep frying.

This recipe is great for low-carb and keto diets. It’s high in protein and low in carbs. You can serve these almond crusted tenders as a main dish or cut them up for salads.

13. Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenderloin

Lemon pepper chicken tenderloin is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. You’ll need chicken tenderloins, flour, and lemon pepper seasoning.

To prepare, coat the tenderloins in flour mixed with lemon pepper seasoning. Then bake or pan-fry them until golden and cooked through.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil before cooking. This helps keep the meat juicy and enhances the lemon taste.

Serve these tenders as a main dish with sides, or slice them to top salads. They’re great for quick weeknight meals or as part of your meal prep.

14. Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tenderloin

Spice up your chicken tenderloins with a smoky chipotle flavor. Start by seasoning the tenderloins with a mix of chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and grill seasoning.

Place the seasoned tenderloins in a glass dish. Pour a sauce made from blended chipotles in adobo, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice over the chicken. Reserve some sauce for later use.

Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 2 hours to absorb the flavors.

When ready, grill or bake the tenderloins until they’re fully cooked.

Serve your smoky chipotle chicken tenderloins with the reserved sauce on the side. This dish pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

15. Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Chicken Tenderloin

This recipe turns chicken tenderloins into a tasty meal. You’ll stuff them with a mix of spinach and cheese.

Start by making small cuts in the tenderloins. Mix together spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Stuff this mix into the cuts.

Cook the stuffed tenderloins in a pan until golden. Then bake them in the oven to finish cooking.

The result is juicy chicken with a creamy, cheesy center. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

This dish is easy to make but looks impressive. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you have guests.

16. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenderloin

Buttermilk fried chicken tenderloins are a tasty treat you can make at home. Start by marinating the tenderloins in buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for at least 4 hours.

Next, prepare a seasoned flour mixture. Dredge each tenderloin in the flour, making sure it’s well-coated. Let them rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot.

Fry the tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot. These crispy, juicy tenders are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

17. Mediterranean Herb Chicken Tenderloin

Mediterranean herb chicken tenderloin is a tasty dish packed with flavor.

You marinate chicken tenderloins in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

After marinating, you can grill or pan-sear the chicken for a quick meal. The herbs give the meat a savory taste that’s both bright and earthy.

You can serve this dish with a side of tzatziki sauce for extra tanginess. It pairs well with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.

18. Sweet and Sour Chicken Tenderloin

Sweet and sour chicken tenderloin is a tasty dish that blends tangy and sweet flavors. You can make it quickly for a family dinner.

Cut chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. Coat them in beaten egg, then dredge in cornstarch.

Fry the pieces until they’re golden brown.

Make a sauce with sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Pour it over the cooked chicken in a baking dish.

Add colorful veggies like bell peppers and pineapple chunks for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serve your sweet and sour chicken tenderloin over steamed rice. This meal is sure to please both kids and adults with its mix of flavors and textures.

19. Pesto Marinated Chicken Tenderloin

Pesto marinated chicken tenders are a tasty twist on classic chicken recipes. You can make them with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by coating chicken tenderloins in pesto sauce. Let them sit for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Next, coat the marinated tenders in a mix of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice crunch.

Bake the coated tenders in a 400°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

They’ll come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Serve your pesto chicken tenders with a side salad or pasta for a quick and easy meal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful dish.

20. Asian Sesame Chicken Tenderloin

This tasty dish brings Asian flavors to chicken tenderloins. You coat the chicken in sesame seeds for a crunchy texture.

The sauce adds lots of flavor. It uses ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey. These make a sweet and savory mix.

To make it, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking pan with foil and spray it. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl.

Dip the chicken in the sauce, then roll in sesame seeds. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Serve these tenders with rice and veggies for a full meal. They’re great for dinner or as a party snack.

21. Maple Dijon Chicken Tenderloin

Maple Dijon chicken tenderloin is a tasty dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll love how the maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a delicious glaze for the chicken.

To make this recipe, coat chicken tenderloins in a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. You can add garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Bake the chicken in the oven until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

For a crunchy twist, try coating the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before baking. This adds a nice texture to complement the sweet and tangy sauce.

Serve your maple Dijon chicken tenderloins with rice or roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal.

22. Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tenderloin

Bring Caribbean flavors to your kitchen with Jamaican jerk chicken tenderloin. This recipe offers a spicy kick and bold taste.

Start by mixing jerk seasoning with lime juice and oil. Coat your chicken tenderloins in this zesty marinade. Let them sit for at least an hour to soak up the flavors.

Grill the marinated tenderloins for about 4 minutes per side. You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Make sure they’re cooked through.

Serve your jerk chicken tenderloins with rice and beans or grilled veggies. The spicy, smoky taste pairs well with cool sides like coleslaw or mango salsa.

23. Mustard Herb Crusted Chicken Tenderloin

This tasty dish combines tangy mustard with fragrant herbs for a flavorful crust on tender chicken. Mix Dijon mustard with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Coat your chicken tenderloins in the mustard-herb mixture. Then dip them in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Bake the coated tenderloins in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. The herb crust will become crispy while the chicken stays juicy inside.

Serve these mustard herb crusted tenderloins with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a quick and easy meal. The zesty mustard flavor pairs well with the herbs and chicken.

24. Cajun Spiced Chicken Tenderloin

Cajun spiced chicken tenderloins bring zesty Louisiana flavors to your plate. You’ll love the bold, spicy kick these tenders pack.

To make them, coat chicken tenderloins in a mix of Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy, flavorful crust.

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk before cooking. Then fry or bake until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve these spicy tenders with a cool dipping sauce to balance the heat. They’re great for quick dinners or as an appetizer for gatherings.

25. Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Tenderloin

Sun-dried tomato chicken tenderloin is a tasty dish you can make in under 30 minutes. To prepare it, season chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.

Cook them in a skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes on each side. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to the pan.

For a creamy version, mix in cream cheese or make a sauce with Havarti cheese. You can also add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

This versatile recipe works well served over pasta, rice, or vegetables. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and impressive.

26. Orange Glazed Chicken Tenderloin

Orange glazed chicken tenderloin is a tasty and easy dish. You start by dredging the tenderloins in flour. Then cook them in a hot skillet until browned.

After removing the chicken, add green onions and garlic to the pan. Pour in orange juice and soy sauce to make a flavorful glaze.

The citrus adds a bright, tangy flavor to the tender chicken. You can boost the orange taste by adding some zest to the coating.

This quick recipe works great for weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

27. Creole Blackened Chicken Tenderloin

Spice up your dinner with Creole blackened chicken tenderloins. This dish brings bold flavors to your plate in no time.

Mix Creole seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat the chicken tenders in this spice blend.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenders for about 2-3 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.

Serve these zesty tenders with rice, veggies, or your favorite sides. They’re great for a quick weeknight meal or as part of a larger spread.

Health Benefits of Chicken Tenderloin

Chicken tenderloin offers many health advantages. It’s packed with nutrients and serves as an excellent protein source for your diet.

Nutritional Content

Chicken tenderloin is low in fat and calories. A 3-ounce serving has about 100 calories and 2 grams of fat. It gives you B vitamins like niacin and B6. These help your body make energy and support brain function.

Chicken tenderloin also provides minerals. It has iron for healthy blood and zinc for a strong immune system. Selenium in chicken acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells.

For heart health, chicken tenderloin is a good choice. It’s low in saturated fat compared to red meats. This can help keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Protein Source

Chicken tenderloin packs a protein punch. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This makes up 40% of the daily value for most people.

Protein helps build and repair your muscles. It’s key for recovery after exercise. Your body also uses protein to make enzymes and hormones.

Eating chicken tenderloin can help you feel full. Protein takes longer to digest than carbs. This can help control your appetite and support weight management.

For athletes and active people, chicken tenderloin is a great option. Its high-quality protein supports muscle growth and repair.

Cooking Techniques for Chicken Tenderloin

Chicken tenderloins are quick and easy to cook. You can use different methods to make tasty meals with these lean cuts of meat.

Grilling Methods

Grilling chicken tenderloins gives them a nice smoky flavor.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the tenderloins with oil and add your favorite seasonings.

Grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcook them or they’ll dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check if they’re done. The inside temp should reach 165°F (74°C).

For extra flavor, try marinating the tenderloins before grilling. A simple mix of oil, lemon juice, and herbs works well. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge.

Baking Tips

Baking is a great way to cook lots of chicken tenderloins at once.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange the tenderloins on the sheet. Don’t crowd them – leave some space between each piece.

Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.

Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Check the internal temp to make sure they’re fully cooked.

For crispy baked tenderloins, try coating them in breadcrumbs before baking.

Dip each piece in beaten egg, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs.

Spray with cooking oil for extra crunch.