Chicken tenders are a versatile protein that lends itself well to a wide range of flavors and cooking techniques. Whether you’re short on time or simply enjoy the taste of chicken tenders, this post is designed to showcase 37 easy and delicious meals that can be made using this convenient ingredient. The list is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from salads to pasta dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So, don your apron and let’s dive in to explore the many possibilities of chicken tender-based cooking!
37 Easy Meals with Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders Parmesan
Indulge in the quintessential fusion of flavors as crispy breaded and fried chicken tenders are smothered in tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Pair this mouthwatering combination with a hearty serving of spaghetti for a sumptuous Italian-inspired dinner that will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Indulge in the flavors of crispy fried chicken tenders smothered in spicy buffalo sauce, nestled within a supple flour tortilla alongside crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a dollop of creamy ranch dressing, all combining to create a mouthwatering wrap that will leave you craving more.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Savor the perfect harmony of textures and flavors with crispy chicken tenders served atop a crisp bed of fresh romaine lettuce, accompanied by the rich, tangy taste of Caesar dressing and the nutty essence of shaved Parmesan cheese, all combining to create a culinary delight that will leave you craving more.
Fried Chicken Tenders
Fried chicken tenders – the epitome of culinary indulgence. The instant gratification of biting into a crispy, golden finger is unparalleled. As the crunchy breading yields to succulent, flavorful chicken within, the experience is nothing short of sublime. And let’s not forget the joy of dipping these tender morsels in your go-to sauce – the harmonious union of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
Skillet Chicken Tenders Pizza
A mouthwatering blend of pizza-inspired flavors and juicy chicken breasts, Skillet Pizza Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
Savoring the harmonious union of flavors, this delectable stir-fry masterpiece brings together tender chicken strips, an assortment of vibrant vegetables, and the irresistible allure of a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, expertly blending notes of umami and delight.
Chicken and Waffles
The quintessential comfort food combination – crispy fried chicken tenders perched atop a plush waffle, generously bathed in the sweet richness of maple syrup and paired with a pat of creamy butter on the side.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
In the realm of comfort food, garlic butter chicken tenders occupy a special place – a harmonious blend of succulent chicken, rich garlic, and velvety butter. This match made in heaven is equally at home on a weeknight dinner plate, as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even as a satisfying snack to fuel your favorite game-day gathering.
Sesame Chicken
Indulge in a mouth-watering culinary delight featuring succulent chicken strips, nutty sesame seeds, and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Chicken Quesadilla
Indulge in a mouthwatering quesadilla, expertly crafted with tender chicken strips, sweet peppers, and sautéed onions that will leave you craving for more.
Chicken Fajitas
In the realm of Mexican cuisine, a staple dish that never fails to tantalize taste buds is the flavorful fajita. Typically composed of succulent chicken strips, a medley of sautéed peppers and onions, this mouthwatering combination is served alongside a stack of warm, soft tortillas. A match made in heaven, if you will.
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful salad that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. This isn’t just any ordinary salad, but one that combines the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken tenders with the freshness of mixed greens, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the tanginess of honey mustard dressing. The harmonious blend of textures and tastes in this dish is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
With a bold blend of spicy and savory flavors, this delectable Jamaican-inspired recipe brings together the tender goodness of chicken, the aromatic warmth of jerk seasoning, and the comforting pairing of rice and beans.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
To elevate the timeless comfort food that is Alfredo pasta, we’ve crafted a recipe that not only maintains its rich flavors but also infuses it with nutrient-dense ingredients. The star of this show is tender and juicy chicken, accompanied by a vibrant burst of broccoli. To tie everything together, a lightened Alfredo sauce brings a velvety smoothness without sacrificing the indulgent essence.
Chicken Avocado Salad
A symphony of flavors and textures comes together in this delightful salad, where the crunch of fresh greens meets the tender bite of juicy chicken, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the velvety smoothness of rich avocado.
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice
For a cozy and satisfying meal, chicken with garlic parmesan rice is an excellent choice. This hearty dish comes together quickly in just one skillet, allowing you to devote more time to savoring the flavors rather than scrubbing away at pots and pans. The combination of juicy chicken, savory garlic, and creamy parmesan sauce served atop a bed of fluffy rice makes for a truly comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Baked Chicken Tenders
Transforming a beloved favorite into a nutritious delight, this innovative recipe bakes tender chicken strips to perfection, yielding a crispy and golden-brown exterior that’s just as satisfying as its fried counterpart.
Chicken Carbonara
The iconic Italian dish at the heart of this recipe combines the tender qualities of chicken, the rich flavors of pancetta, the indulgent richness of egg yolks and cream, and the salty depth of Parmesan cheese, all coming together in a harmonious blend that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Thai Chicken Curry
Indulge in the bold flavors of Thailand with a mouthwatering chicken tender-based curry that combines the perfect balance of spicy and savory notes. This delectable dish is crafted using juicy chicken tenders, a medley of colorful vegetables, rich coconut milk, and the unmistakable warmth of red curry paste.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Warm comfort food awaits with this indulgent casserole recipe, which combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a golden-brown crust that’s simply irresistible.
Smothered Chicken Tenders and Gravy
The allure of smothered chicken tenders and gravy lies in its ability to evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. This humble dish has the versatility to excel in various settings – from a quick weeknight dinner to a leisurely weekend brunch, or even as a comforting addition to a potluck gathering.
Chicken Piccata
Savory and succulent, tender chicken strips sizzle in a hot skillet, perfectly cooked to yield that irresistible crispy exterior. A zesty and refreshing lemon-caper sauce accompanies each bite, transporting the palate to the sun-kissed hills of Italy, where the flavors blend harmoniously, creating a truly delightful culinary experience.
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Imagine indulging in tender jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a savory blend of juicy chicken strips, fresh spinach leaves, and melted cheese. The ultimate comfort food experience is complete when these stuffed shells are smothered in rich, tangy marinara sauce and baked to perfection.
Chicken Pad Thai
In the realm of Thai cuisine, there’s one dish that stands out as a timeless favorite – a classic stir-fry recipe that combines the tender juiciness of chicken, the nutty flavor of rice noodles, the crunch of bean sprouts, and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. The crowning glory is, of course, the rich and aromatic Pad Thai sauce that ties everything together.
Chicken Tandoori
When it comes to marinated chicken tenders, the key to unlocking their full flavor potential lies in the cooking method. By roasting them in a tandoor or conventional oven, you can achieve a depth of flavor that’s both bold and slightly spicy, reminiscent of authentic Indian cuisine.
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Transforming your ordinary meals into extraordinary ones, consider combining the flavors of chicken tenders with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Thread these mouthwatering ingredients onto skewers and either grill or bake them to perfection, yielding a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s sure to delight.
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Indulge in the rich flavors of a creamy risotto dish, perfectly complemented by the tender bite of chicken and the earthy essence of sautéed mushrooms. The harmonious union of these ingredients creates a comforting culinary experience that’s sure to satisfy.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
For a burst of flavor, marinate chicken tenders in a tangy blend of lemon juice, herbs, and spices before grilling them to a succulent perfection.
Chicken Gyros
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece by combining juicy chicken tenders with a refreshing dollop of creamy Tzatziki sauce, crisp fresh vegetables, and wrapping everything in a warm, crispy pita bread – a match made in culinary heaven.
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
A quintessential Louisiana culinary experience, this mouthwatering dish brings together juicy chicken tenders, savory andouille sausage, fluffy rice, and a harmonious blend of traditional Creole spices that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Chicken Katsu
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and crispy, savory goodness as you savor bite-sized chicken tenders breaded in a traditional Japanese style and served alongside a zesty tonkatsu sauce that perfectly complements the dish’s rich flavors.
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Indulge in a warm and comforting bowl of goodness, as a rich and velvety soup brings together the tender juiciness of chicken, the sweetness of fresh corn, the earthy flavor of potatoes, and a deeply satisfying creamy broth that will leave you craving for more.
Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a richly flavored sauce to create a delectable and nutritious meal that’s ready in no time.
Chicken Stroganoff
Innovating upon the timeless beef stroganoff formula, this adaptation substitutes succulent chicken tenderloins for their traditional beef counterparts, harmoniously marrying them with a rich and velvety mushroom-based sauce, which is then served atop a bed of fluffy egg noodles, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
Start your day off right with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option that combines the natural sweetness of diced sweet potatoes, the protein-packed goodness of chicken tenders, and the richness of fluffy eggs. This wholesome combination provides a perfect blend of flavors and textures to fuel your morning.
Chicken Caprese
Imagine the flavors of Italy coming together in a harmonious union – tender chicken strips layered with creamy mozzarella cheese, vibrant tomato slices, fragrant basil leaves, and finished off with a rich drizzle of aged balsamic glaze. This delectable combination will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside, where the essence of simplicity and elegance melds together in perfect culinary harmony.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Savor the juicy flavors of tender chicken tenders smothered in a rich and aromatic tomato-based curry sauce, infused with the warmth of Indian spices. Pair with fluffy rice or crispy naan bread for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to delight.
In conclusion, chicken tenders are a culinary chameleon – adaptable to any taste or craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and spicy, comforting and familiar, or light and healthy, there’s a recipe on this list that will hit the spot.
The next time you find yourself wondering what to cook for dinner, consider giving one of these 37 easy meals with chicken tenders a try – your taste buds will thank you!