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Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Tender

Close-up of golden brown chicken breast tenders on a clean white plate

A simple and delicious pan-seared chicken breast tender recipe that is juicy and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

8 chicken breast tenders (about 1 pound)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Pat the chicken breast tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken tenders.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the chicken tenders for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown.
Flip the chicken tenders and add the unsalted butter and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet.
Cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, spooning the melted butter and thyme over the chicken as it cooks, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.