Pan-Seared Chicken Tenders Perfection

Pan-seared chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 15 minutes. This simple dish involves cooking chicken tenders in a skillet over medium to high heat, resulting in juicy and flavourful chicken with a crispy exterior. The basic ingredients and simple cooking technique make this a go-to option for a tasty and healthy dinner.

How to season chicken tenders

Seasoning chicken tenders is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, you can pat the chicken dry with paper towels, which helps the chicken to sear properly and get crispy on the outside. Then, you can sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on the tops of the chicken tenders. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper to taste. For a more herby flavour, you can add dried parsley, basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.

Once you have added your chosen spices, you can then rub the seasoning into the chicken using your fingertips to ensure an even coating. You can then follow the steps to pan-sear the chicken tenders, cooking them for around 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to heat the pan

Heating the pan is an important step in pan-searing chicken tenders, as it ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and becomes golden brown. Here is a detailed guide on how to heat the pan for this cooking technique:

Firstly, choose the right type of pan for pan-searing. A cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel pan is ideal, as they can withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. Make sure your pan is large enough to fit all the chicken tenders in a single layer, with some space between each piece. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.

Next, pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture will help the chicken sear properly and promote a crispier exterior. You can also trim away any excess fat from the chicken at this stage.

Now, it's time to heat the pan. Place your chosen skillet over medium to medium-high heat on the stovetop. Turn on the exhaust fan if you have one, as there may be some smoke during the cooking process. Let the pan heat up for a couple of minutes—this step is crucial, so don't rush it. You want the pan to be piping hot before adding the oil and chicken.

Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to the hot pan. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. Swirl the oil to coat the entire surface of the pan evenly. Allow the oil to heat up; it should be shimmering but not smoking.

At this point, you can test the heat of the pan by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates instantly, your pan is hot enough. If the water doesn't sizzle, let the pan heat up a little longer.

Once your pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, you're ready to add the chicken tenders. Place them gently into the pan, being careful not to crowd them. They should sizzle as they hit the hot oil. If your pan is overcrowded, cook the chicken in batches to maintain the proper temperature and ensure even cooking.

How long to cook chicken tenders for

Chicken tenders are a great, quick option for a tasty meal. They are usually cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side, or 6-8 minutes in total. This will give them a nice sear on the outside and ensure they are cooked through.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your chicken tenders, so it is always a good idea to check that they are cooked through before serving. You can do this by checking that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (or 73°C. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can slice into the thickest part of the tender to check that it is cooked through and there is no pink meat.

Chicken tenders should be cooked on a medium-high heat. It is important to make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, as this will help to create a nice sear. It is also a good idea to pat your chicken dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan, as this will help them to sear properly and ensure they are crispy.

If you are cooking a larger batch of chicken tenders, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, which will affect the taste and texture.

How to know when chicken tenders are cooked

When pan-searing chicken tenders, there are a few tell-tale signs that indicate when they are cooked just right.

Firstly, it is important to note that chicken tenders cook very quickly, usually within 10 minutes. Depending on the heat setting, you will need to cook the tenders for about 4 minutes on one side and then 3-4 minutes on the other side.

The first sign that your chicken tenders are cooked is their colour. The tenders should be golden brown on both sides. This indicates that the meat has been seared and cooked through.

The second sign is that the tenders should not be pink in the centre. This is a good indicator that the meat is no longer raw and is safe to eat.

The third and most important indicator is the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. The best way to check this is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken tenders are considered cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit or 73°Celsius. This is the most accurate way to determine if your chicken is cooked properly, as it can be difficult to gauge doneness by eye alone.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the tender to ensure that it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side options. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders to make a delicious and nutritious meal:

Starchy Sides

Starches are a great way to add energy and fibre to your meal. Here are some starchy side dishes that would go well with chicken tenders:

• Potato wedges
• Oven-baked potato wedges
• Roasted red potatoes
• Hush puppies
• Pan-fried potatoes and onions
• Potato salad
• Rice (white or brown)
• Macaroni and cheese
• Pasta salad
• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Waffles

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables provide a healthy and nutritious addition to your meal. Here are some vegetable side dishes that would pair well with chicken tenders:

• Cucumber salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Glazed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, celery)
• Spinach casserole
• Roasted vegetables
• Fried pickles
• Broccoli salad
• Curly fries
• Baked zucchini chips
• Zoodles (spiralized zucchini)
• Roasted carrots
• Fried yellow squash

Dips and Sauces

Dips and sauces can add extra flavour to your chicken tenders. Here are some ideas:

• Honey mustard sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Bang bang sauce
• Pesto
• Ranch
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Maple syrup

Other Sides

Some other side dish options that would go well with chicken tenders include:

• Coleslaw
• Fruit salad
• Fried apples
• Baked beans
• Fried chickpeas

With so many options to choose from, you can easily mix and match to create a well-rounded and tasty meal!

Frequently asked questions