Name: Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken tenderloins - Fresh is best for juicy, tender results. Avoid frozen, as they may release water during cooking.; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided - Helps create that crispy, golden crust. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.; Salt and ground black pepper to taste - Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.; 2 teaspoons paprika - Adds a warm, smoky flavor. Feel free to use sweet or smoked paprika based on your taste.; 2 teaspoons garlic powder - For that classic, aromatic boost.; 2 teaspoons onion powder - Balances the flavors with a mild, savory touch.; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - Adds a subtle kick of heat and spice. Adjust as needed.; 1 teaspoon chili powder - For bold, earthy flavor. Omit if you prefer mild chicken.; ½ lemon, juiced - The acidity from fresh lemon brightens up the dish and ties all the flavors together.

A few nights ago, I discovered the magic of simple, flavorful cooking while preparing pan-seared chicken tenderloins. It might just be my new all-time favorite. The juicy, tender texture paired with a crispy, seasoned crust had my family raving.

It was delicious, quick to prepare, and flexible enough to adapt to any flavor craving. If you’re a fan of easy yet gourmet-level dishes, you’ll love this recipe. Let’s get started!

Credit: preciouscore

Ingredients

To get the best flavor and texture, here’s what you’ll need:

4 chicken tenderloins – Fresh is best for juicy, tender results. Avoid frozen, as they may release water during cooking.
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Helps create that crispy, golden crust. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Salt and ground black pepper to taste – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
2 teaspoons paprika – Adds a warm, smoky flavor. Feel free to use sweet or smoked paprika based on your taste.
2 teaspoons garlic powder – For that classic, aromatic boost.
2 teaspoons onion powder – Balances the flavors with a mild, savory touch.
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – Adds a subtle kick of heat and spice. Adjust as needed.
1 teaspoon chili powder – For bold, earthy flavor. Omit if you prefer mild chicken.
½ lemon, juiced – The acidity from fresh lemon brightens up the dish and ties all the flavors together.

Note: This recipe serves 4. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally for more servings.

Variations

Here are some fun and practical ways to tweak this recipe:

Dairy-free: The recipe is already dairy-free, but ensure the Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain milk-based products.
Lower sodium: Skip the Cajun seasoning and use a no-salt spice blend instead.
Spicier: Double the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne.
Herbaceous twist: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the dish for an earthy, aromatic profile.

If you’re looking for another unique way to serve chicken, try the Skinny Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash for a low-carb twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of the total time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

To prepare your pan-seared chicken tenderloins, you’ll need the following tools:

Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken with spices and oil.
Large skillet or frying pan – A non-stick or cast-iron pan works best for even searing.
Tongs – To flip the chicken without damaging the crust.
Juicer – For squeezing fresh lemon juice with ease.
Spatula – Helps with serving the chicken straight from the pan without breaking apart.

How to Make Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloins?

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken tenderloins in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Next, add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and chili powder. Toss everything together until the tenderloins are evenly coated with the spiced oil mixture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully lay the seasoned chicken in the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow proper searing. Cover the pan and cook for about 6 minutes without moving the chicken to ensure a golden crust develops.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Flip

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken while it cooks. The acidity will cut through the rich spices and enhance the flavor. Flip the tenderloins using tongs and cook the other side uncovered for an additional 6 minutes. You’re looking for a dark, crisp crust on the outside with juicy meat inside.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, lower the heat slightly and cook for another minute or two.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the tenderloins from the skillet and transfer them onto a serving plate. Garnish with a wedge of lemon or sprinkle of chopped herbs for an elegant finish.

Credit: preciouscore

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips to make this recipe truly outstanding:

Always pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the seasoning adhere better.
Don’t skip the lemon juice! It’s the bright, zesty key to balancing the flavors.
Avoid high heat during cooking; medium-high works perfectly to form a crust without burning.
If the seasoning seems uneven, mix the spices into the oil first before coating the chicken.

If you enjoy hearty chicken dishes, you can also enjoy similar recipes like Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders.

How to Serve Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloins?

These chicken tenderloins are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, toss them into a crisp green salad with shredded carrots and ranch dressing. Garnish with a few lemon wedges and sprinkle some fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. To elevate the presentation, arrange the tenderloins neatly on a platter and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these tenderloins is packed with nutritional value:

Calories: 198
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 15g

This makes it an excellent low-carb, high-protein option for any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers properly:

Restoring: Store cooked tenderloins in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s what makes pan-seared chicken tenderloins a standout:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner with just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable Flavors: Switch up the spices and make it your own.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and uses wholesome, simple seasonings.
Minimal Equipment Needed: No fancy gadgets required, just the basics.
Crowd-Pleaser: Juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken that everyone will enjoy.

With its simplicity and outstanding flavors, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking! For more creative chicken recipes, check out our collection of Chicken Recipes.