🍗 Juicy Chicken Tenderloin – Easy Weeknight Dinner

🍽 Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

📌 Introduction

Looking for a quick and flavorful way to prepare chicken tenderloin? Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a healthy lunch, this tender and juicy chicken tenderloin recipe is your new go-to.

Chicken tenderloin is known for its lean, tender meat and versatility in various cuisines. With a simple marinade and quick cooking time, it transforms into a dish that’s bursting with flavor, with a golden crust on the outside and juicy perfection on the inside.

This recipe is budget-friendly, family-approved, and great for meal prep. With a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a protein-packed dish ready to serve with your favorite sides.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-baked chicken tenderloin fillets with seasoning and fresh parsley garnish

  • ⏱️ Quick to make — 30 minutes from start to finish

  • 🥦 Healthy and high in protein

  • 💰 Affordable and perfect for families

  • 🍴 Versatile — works in bowls, wraps, salads, or on its own

  • 🧼 Easy cleanup with one pan

  • 🧒 Kid-friendly flavor and texture

🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g chicken tenderloins

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped fresh parsley

  • Lemon wedges for serving

Substitutions

  • Use lime juice instead of lemon

  • Swap oregano for thyme or Italian seasoning

  • Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil

Pro Tips

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of healthy chicken tenderloins with herbs and lemon slices

🔪 Prep Steps

  1. Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl.

  2. In a separate small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  3. Pour marinade over chicken and mix well to coat evenly. Let rest for 15–30 minutes.

🔥 Cooking Steps

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Cook the tenderloins for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 75°C / 165°F).

  3. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip

Do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for even browning.

🧂 Notes & Tips

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator

  • Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave for 1 minute

🌶 Flavor Variations

  • Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat

  • Drizzle with garlic butter for extra richness

  • Toss in BBQ or honey mustard sauce after cooking

🍽 Nutrition Facts

Juicy and crispy chicken tenderloin pieces freshly baked on a rustic wooden board

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
210 kcal 28g 1g 10g

⚠ Dietary Tags

  • Gluten-Free

  • Dairy-Free

  • Low Carb

  • Keto-Friendly

📣 Conclusion

Golden baked chicken tenderloins served with honey mustard dip on parchment paper

This chicken tenderloin recipe is proof that simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky eaters, or need something quick after work, this dish fits right into your routine.

Try it with roasted veggies, rice bowls, or stuffed in a warm pita for a satisfying meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with friends on Instagram and Facebook!

Loved this recipe? Save it on Pinterest for your next cozy baking session! 🔗 infinityrecipes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💬 Can I bake chicken tenderloins instead of pan-frying?

✅ Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes or until cooked through.

💬 How do I know when chicken tenderloin is done?

✅ Use a meat thermometer — it should read 75°C (165°F) internally.

💬 Can I freeze cooked chicken tenderloin?

✅ Absolutely. Let cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

💬 What sauces go well with this?

✅ Try garlic yogurt, honey mustard, BBQ, or chimichurri.

💬 Are chicken tenderloins the same as chicken breasts?

✅ They are part of the breast, but more tender and quicker to cook.

💬 Can I make this spicy?

✅ Yes, add chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade.

Print

Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

This juicy and flavorful chicken tenderloin recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches—quick, easy, and packed with protein.

  • Author: infiniadm
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g chicken tenderloins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Mix well to coat. Let rest for 15–30 minutes.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenderloins for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 75°C/165°F).
  4. Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for even browning.
  • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use lime juice instead of lemon if preferred.
  • Swap oregano with Italian seasoning or thyme.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken tenderloin recipe, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken, low carb chicken, gluten free chicken, keto chicken, quick chicken meal

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