30+ Mouthwatering Dishes You Can Make with Chicken Tenderloins (Beyond Basic Tenders!)

Got chicken tenderloins in your fridge or freezer and wondering what to do with them? You’re in luck! These versatile little strips of chicken are not just for making basic chicken tenders (though we’ll cover those too because, let’s face it, they’re delicious)

As someone who cooks for my family almost every night, I’ve come to appreciate chicken tenderloins as a weeknight lifesaver. They’re economical, quick-cooking, and incredibly versatile. Today I’m sharing over 30 amazing ways to transform this humble cut into meals that’ll make everyone at your table happy!

What Are Chicken Tenderloins Anyway?

Before diving into recipes, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Chicken tenderloins (aka chicken tenders) are the small muscle that attaches to the underside of the chicken breast. They’re naturally more tender than the breast itself (hence the name!) and cook up super quick.

The best part? You can use chicken tenderloins interchangeably with sliced chicken breast in most recipes. If a recipe calls for chicken breast, just slice it about 1/2 inch thick to get similar results to using tenderloins.

Quick & Crispy Chicken Tender Variations

Let’s start with some elevated versions of the classic tender:

1. Southern Fried Chicken Strips

These golden-fried tenders with a hint of garlic are irresistible. The secret? Using 1-1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder in the coating. They’re crowd-pleasers that disappear fast!

2. Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Swap traditional breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. Kids absolutely LOVE these, and honestly, so do adults!

3. Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Get all that Buffalo wing flavor without the bones! Toss your tenders in homemade Buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping. For cleaner fingers, cut them into bite-sized pieces before breading and frying.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

No deep fryer needed! These golden, crispy tenders take just 10 minutes in the air fryer. Pair with honey mustard or homemade ranch dressing.

5. Nashville Hot Chicken

Bring the famous Nashville heat to your kitchen with these spicy tenders. The air fryer makes them almost better than the original without all the mess.

6. Tex-Mex Chicken Strips

Crushed corn chips create an amazingly crispy coating with southwestern flavor. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or ranch for dipping.

Global Flavors with Chicken Tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are perfect for international cuisine because they soak up marinades quickly and cook in a flash:

7. Chicken and Shrimp Satay

Why choose between chicken or shrimp? This recipe gives you both, marinated in garlic, green onions, and citrus, then served with tangy peanut sauce.

8. Thai Chicken Wraps

With quick-cooking chicken, convenient broccoli slaw mix, and easy peanut sauce, you can wrap up dinner in just 25 minutes.

9. Mongolian Chicken Stir-Fry

Serve this flavorful stir-fry in lettuce wraps for a healthier take on takeout. You’ll save money AND calories!

10. Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

These saucy, tangy tacos will make you wish every day was Taco Tuesday. The slow cooker does all the work!

11. One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Orzo Skillet

This complete meal features protein, carbs, and veggies all in one skillet. Serve with extra tzatziki, tahini sauce, or baba ghanoush for an interactive dinner.

Chicken Tenders in Salads & Lighter Fare

Need something lighter but still satisfying? Try these options:

12. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Filled with chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and carrots, these Asian-inspired wraps are both healthy and delicious.

13. Honey-Dijon Chicken Salad

This main-dish salad features an easy sweet-tangy dressing. Follow the recipe as is or add whatever healthy salad toppers you have on hand.

14. Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad

Layer zesty chicken and crisp romaine with tender grilled vegetables in a trifle bowl for an eye-catching presentation. Add seasoned croutons for extra texture!

15. Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

This fruity chicken salad is a weeknight standout in hot weather. Make your own raspberry vinaigrette or use store-bought for extra convenience.

Comfort Food Classics Using Chicken Tenderloins

Sometimes you just need something cozy and familiar:

16. Chicken Piccata Pockets

Chicken piccata gets portable in these puff pastry pockets with a touch of cream cheese. They’re sensational hot from the oven but also delicious cooled for lunch or picnics.

17. Skillet Chicken Parmesan Dip

This hearty appetizer could easily become a meal because you won’t want to stop snacking! Use store-bought tenders to make it even easier.

18. Mini Cheesy Chicken Calzones

These pizza pockets are filled with gooey, cheesy goodness and don’t require making dough by hand. Just use pre-made French bread dough from a tube!

19. Chicken Parm Egg Rolls

Making homemade egg rolls is easier than you think, especially when you start with baked chicken tenders. If you have leftover homemade chicken Parm, that’s even better!

20. Chicken-Pepper Alfredo

This rich and creamy pasta uses jarred sauce for extra convenience. The smokiness from the bacon really complements the seasoned chicken.

Sweet & Tangy Chicken Tenderloin Dishes

The mild flavor of chicken tenderloins makes them perfect for sweet-savory combinations:

21. BBQ Lime Chicken

This chicken is coated in a delectable, finger-licking sauce that’s perfect for game day gatherings. Make it once, and it’ll become your tailgate must-have!

22. Apricot Cranberry Chicken

With just a few pantry ingredients plus chicken, this dish explodes with autumn flavors. Serve with simple sides like rice pilaf and a side salad.

23. Skillet Plum Chicken Tenders

For a deliciously different dinner, sauté chicken tenders with sliced fresh plums. This recipe combines fruit with sweet apple jelly, savory red onion, spicy gingerroot, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.

24. Citrus-Honey Chicken

Orange and chicken are a match made in heaven! These tenders are tossed in orange juice before being dredged in orange-zest-spiked breading, then drizzled with warm honey butter sauce.

25. Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders

Got extra apples from an apple-picking trip? This five-ingredient recipe is perfect for using them up. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, but any cooking apple works well.

One-Pan Wonders

Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash? These recipes deliver big flavor with minimal cleanup:

26. Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

These sweet-leaning fajitas combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor profile. Line your sheet pans with heavy-duty aluminum foil for truly effortless cleanup.

27. One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus

This healthy, easy meal features a knockout sauce you’ll want to soak up with crusty bread or serve over rice.

28. Grecian Chicken

The caper, tomato, and olive flavors will whisk you away to the Greek isles! Serve with a big Greek salad, plenty of feta cheese, and homemade pita.

29. Mexican Skillet Rice

This colorful skillet dinner has just a bit of bite. Jarred salsas and peppers make it convenient and a sure-fire hit.

30. Basil-Lemon Chicken

This herby chicken served on a bed of angel hair pasta makes for a light but satisfying dinner. Double the lemon-wine sauce for a creamier dish.

Unexpected Twists

Finally, here are some truly creative ways to use chicken tenderloins:

31. Keto Crispy Chicken & Waffles

Crunchy pork-rind coated chicken tenders top gluten-free waffles made of cheesy eggs in this low-carb version of chicken and waffles.

32. Trash Chicken

Don’t let the name fool you! This is a catch-all of favorite flavors: lemony ranch coating with crunchy potato chips creating truly addictive tenders.

33. Nashville Hot Chicken Fries

Nashville hot chicken meets waffle fries meets nachos in this ultimate sheet-pan party food mash-up. It’s crispy, cheesy, and has a spiciness that’s impossible to resist.

Tips for Cooking with Chicken Tenderloins

1. Don’t overcook them! Tenderloins cook faster than chicken breasts – they’re usually done in 7-10 minutes depending on cooking method.

2. Remove the tendon if it’s still attached. This tough, white strip can be easily pulled out with tweezers or your fingers.

3. Marinate for extra flavor, but you don’t need to marinate as long as chicken breasts – 15-30 minutes is often enough.

4. Keep a stash in the freezer. Chicken tenderloins thaw quickly, making them perfect for last-minute meals.

5. Cook from frozen in a pinch. Add a few extra minutes to your cooking time if you forgot to thaw them.

Final Thoughts

I hope these ideas have inspired you to see chicken tenderloins as more than just “chicken strips for kids.” With a little creativity, this versatile cut can be transformed into gourmet meals that satisfy adults and children alike.

What’s your favorite way to prepare chicken tenderloins? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

And remember, when in doubt about what to make for dinner, chicken tenderloins are always a good answer. They’re quick, adaptable, and pretty much foolproof – even on your busiest weeknights!

Now excuse me while I go raid my freezer for some chicken tenderloins. Writing this has made me hungry!

Chicken tenderloins are versatile, quick-cooking, and healthy due to their low-fat, high-protein content, making them ideal for a variety of dishes including breaded chicken tenders, chicken fingers, tacos, stir-fries, salads, skewers, and pasta dishes. Their delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors make them a popular choice for both simple and creative meals, though they should not be overcooked to prevent dryness.

Chicken breast is generally considered healthier than chicken tenderloin because it contains more protein and less fat, sodium, and calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for weight management, muscle building, and heart health. While chicken tenderloins are also a lean option, some sources indicate they have higher levels of fat, sodium, and calories than unseasoned breast meat, especially if they are pre-seasoned or processed.

Bake chicken tenders at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink in the center.