Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Chicken tenderloins: These are the tender strips of meat located on the underside of the chicken breast. They cook quickly and remain juicy.

Olive oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the chicken, adding a rich flavor and helping to achieve a golden brown sear.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

To ensure your chicken tenderloins are evenly cooked and juicy, make sure they are of uniform thickness. If some pieces are thicker than others, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps in achieving a consistent golden brown sear and prevents overcooking or undercooking.

• chicken tenderloins - Substitute with turkey tenderloins: Turkey tenderloins have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• chicken tenderloins - Substitute with pork tenderloins: Pork tenderloins are tender and can be cooked in a similar manner, providing a slightly different but still delicious taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great alternative for searing.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, suitable for pan-searing.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but will still season the dish effectively.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, offering a subtle change.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different flavor profile, for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor, adding depth to the dish.

• Allow the chicken tenderloins to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Place the cooled chicken tenderloins in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
• Store the chicken tenderloins in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped chicken tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• When freezing, try to lay the chicken tenderloins flat in a single layer. This ensures they freeze evenly and makes it easier to thaw only the amount you need.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken tenderloins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen chicken tenderloins, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to defrost the chicken tenderloins. Use the defrost setting and check frequently to avoid partially cooking the chicken.
• Once thawed, reheat the chicken tenderloins using the oven method mentioned above, or you can quickly sear them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
• Avoid refreezing chicken tenderloins once they have been thawed to maintain the best quality and safety.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and doesn't dry out.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken tenderloins in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed. This method helps to maintain the crispy exterior of the chicken.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken tenderloins on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through. This is the quickest method but may not retain the original texture as well as other methods.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the chicken tenderloins in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse in the water bath for about 30 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenderloins in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method helps to retain the crispy texture of the chicken while reheating it evenly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for achieving a perfect sear on the chicken tenderloins.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, in this case, to turn the chicken tenderloins without piercing them and losing juices.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and garlic powder accurately.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the olive oil precisely.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place the chicken tenderloins while seasoning them.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various tasks, including trimming any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenderloins.

• Paper towels: Used to pat the chicken tenderloins dry before seasoning, ensuring a better sear.

• Plate: Used to rest the chicken tenderloins after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute.

• Timer: Helps keep track of the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the chicken tenderloins if you prefer not to use tongs.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and season the chicken tenderloins ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the olive oil in the skillet while you season the chicken to save time.

Rest the chicken: Let the chicken tenderloins rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance flavor.