15 Quick and Easy Chicken Tenderloin Recipes That Will Save Your Weeknight Dinners!

If you’re on the hunt for quick and easy weeknight meals, chicken tenderloins are your best friend.

These versatile pieces of chicken can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes in no time, making them perfect for busy evenings.

Each of these 15 recipes is designed to be simple yet packed with flavor, ensuring that you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloins

Brighten up your weeknight dinner with these lemon garlic chicken tenderloins.

Marinated in a zesty mix of lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil, these tenderloins are grilled to perfection, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 2 lemons (juiced)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

2. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenderloins

Get ready for a sweet and tangy treat with honey mustard glazed chicken tenderloins.

This recipe combines the richness of honey with the sharpness of mustard, creating a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables to soak up the extra sauce.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken tenderloins in a baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.

3. Spicy Chicken Tenderloin Tacos

Transform your weeknight dinner into a fiesta with spicy chicken tenderloin tacos.

Seasoned with a blend of spices and sautéed to juicy perfection, these tenderloins are a crowd-pleaser. Serve with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Corn tortillas
– Toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken tenderloins.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
3. Slice the cooked chicken and assemble into corn tortillas with desired toppings.

4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenderloins

Indulge in the richness of creamy garlic parmesan chicken tenderloins that will satisfy your cravings.

This dish features tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that’s both comforting and decadent. Pair it with pasta or mashed potatoes for a truly indulgent meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a skillet, cook chicken tenderloins over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5. Teriyaki Chicken Tenderloins

Bring a taste of Asia to your dinner table with teriyaki chicken tenderloins.

These tenderloins are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which adds a savory-sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with rice or stir-fried vegetables. It’s a quick and delicious meal option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
2. Add chicken tenderloins and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and glazed with sauce.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

6. Chicken Tenderloin Stir-Fry

Whip up a quick chicken tenderloin stir-fry that’s packed with veggies and flavor.

This dish is not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. Use your favorite vegetables and a simple stir-fry sauce to create a colorful, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins (sliced)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ginger (grated)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add mixed vegetables and ginger, stir-frying until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Pour in soy sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

7. Italian Chicken Tenderloin Bake

Create an Italian-inspired weeknight meal with an Italian chicken tenderloin bake.

This dish features tender chicken baked with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs, resulting in a comforting and hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken tenderloins in a baking dish, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Pour diced tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.

8. BBQ Chicken Tenderloin Sandwiches

Fire up your taste buds with BBQ chicken tenderloin sandwiches that are perfect for a casual dinner.

Smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce and served on toasted buns, these sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults. Add some coleslaw for crunch and enjoy a delightful meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 sandwich buns
– 1 cup coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cook chicken tenderloins in a skillet until fully cooked.
2. Add BBQ sauce and toss to coat the chicken.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing BBQ chicken on toasted buns. Top with coleslaw if desired.
4. Serve with a side of chips or fries.

9. Chicken Tenderloin Casserole

Enjoy a comforting chicken tenderloin casserole that’s perfect for feeding the whole family.

Layered with creamy soup, vegetables, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, this dish is baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an effortless way to create a satisfying meal with minimal clean-up.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins (cubed)
– 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and chicken is cooked through.

10. Chicken Tenderloin Salad

Lighten things up with a fresh chicken tenderloin salad that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Grilled or baked tenderloins are sliced and served over a bed of mixed greens, topped with your favorite veggies and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 4 cups mixed salad greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
– 1 cucumber (sliced)
– 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:
1. Cook chicken tenderloins over medium heat until fully cooked. Let them rest before slicing.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
3. Top the salad with sliced chicken and drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.

11. Chicken Tenderloin Fried Rice

Turn leftover rice into a delicious chicken tenderloin fried rice that’s quick to make and full of flavor.

This one-pan meal is packed with veggies and seasoned perfectly, making it a great way to use up what you have in the fridge. It’s a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins (diced)
– 3 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
– 2 eggs (beaten)
– 3 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push veggies to one side, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble.
4. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Return chicken to the skillet and mix well.

12. Mediterranean Chicken Tenderloin Wraps

Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with healthy chicken tenderloin wraps.

Marinated in olive oil and herbs, these tenderloins are grilled and then wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 4 pita breads
– 1 cup cucumbers (sliced)
– 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
– 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions:
1. Marinate chicken tenderloins in olive oil, salt, and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill the chicken until fully cooked, then slice.
3. Assemble wraps by placing chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce in pita bread.
4. Serve with a side of Greek salad if desired.

13. Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins

Spice up your weeknight with buffalo chicken tenderloins that are sure to satisfy.

Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and baked until crispy, these tenderloins are perfect for serving as an appetizer or as part of a main dish. Pair with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup flour
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss chicken tenderloins with flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and toss in buffalo sauce before serving.

14. Chicken Tenderloin Quesadillas

Enjoy cheesy chicken tenderloin quesadillas that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Stuffed with tender chicken and melted cheese, these quesadillas are quick to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve with salsa and guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 4 flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 1/2 cup salsa
– Cooking spray

Instructions:
1. Cook chicken tenderloins in a skillet until fully cooked, then shred.
2. Heat a separate skillet and spray with cooking spray. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add shredded chicken and cheese, then top with another tortilla.
3. Cook until golden on both sides and cheese is melted. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.

15. Mediterranean Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Finish your weeknight meals with Mediterranean baked chicken tenderloins that are healthy and full of flavor.

Baked with olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese, this dish is a breeze to prepare and brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s perfect served over quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
– 1/2 cup olives (sliced)
– 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken tenderloins in a baking dish and top with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is slightly golden.

Conclusion

With these 15 quick and easy chicken tenderloin recipes, weeknight dinners just became a whole lot easier and more exciting.

From zesty lemon garlic to comforting casseroles, there’s a dish for every palate and occasion. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking—you’ll have delicious meals on the table in no time!