Name: Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 3 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp orange zest; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley

The Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders recipe is a quick and easy dish packed with flavors of citrus and tender chicken. The slight tanginess from the orange and lemon juice combined with the richness from the butter creates a delicious sauce that's perfect for drizzling over the succulent chicken tenders.

Photos of Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe

All of the ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and should be easily found in most supermarkets. However, when purchasing your citrus fruits (oranges and lemons), ensure that they are fresh and ripe for optimal taste and zest. The chicken tenderloins required can often be found in the poultry section of your local supermarket. If not available, chicken breasts can be a suitable alternative, simply slice them into thin strips.

Ingredients for Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenderloins: Low in fat and quick to cook, tenderloins are a great choice for a quick meal. They soak up the citrus flavors beautifully.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil brings a depth of flavor.

Salt and Black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.

Garlic cloves: A staple ingredient that gives a robust flavor.

All-purpose flour: It helps thicken the sauce.

Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps create the sauce.

Orange zest and juice: Gives the dish a tangy taste and refreshing aroma.

Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dish.

Fresh parsley: Used for garnishing and adds a hint of freshness.

One reader, Izak Rader says:

This skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe is a game-changer! The combination of orange and lemon zest gives the chicken a burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. The tender and juicy chicken paired with the citrusy sauce is a match made in heaven. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a zesty and refreshing twist on classic chicken tenders.

Izak Rader

Essential Techniques for Making Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

How to cook the chicken tenders: This involves cooking the chicken tenders in a skillet until they are golden brown and cooked through. It's important to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.

How to make the citrus sauce: This involves creating a flavorful citrus sauce by deglazing the skillet with chicken broth, orange juice, and lemon juice. It's important to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate the rich flavors into the sauce. Then, the sauce is simmered until it is reduced and slightly thickened before adding the remaining butter, orange zest, and lemon zest.

How to serve the dish: Once the chicken tenders are tossed with the citrus sauce and sprinkled with parsley, they should be served warm to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the dish.

How To Make Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these deliciously zesty and flavorful citrus chicken tenders! It’s seared with orange and lemon for a tangy dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1.75lbschicken tenderloins,or chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2tbspolive oil,divided
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3tbspbutter,divided
3garlic cloves,minced
1tbspall-purpose flour
1cupchicken broth,low-sodium
1tbsporange zest
¼cuporange juice,fresh
2tsplemon zest
3tbsplemon juice,fresh
2tbspfresh parsley,chopped

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season both sides of chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
Add half of the chicken to the skillet, then cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with aluminum foil, then repeat the process with the remaining half of the chicken tenders. Remove remaining chicken from skillet and also transfer to a plate.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the now empty skillet, then add the garlic and sauté for 15 seconds. Add the flour, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and lemon juice while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, stirring constantly.
Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring frequently for 3 minutes, or until reduced and thickened slightly.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, orange zest, and lemon zest.
Return the chicken to the skillet, toss with the sauce, then sprinkle with parsley.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 563.56kcal
Fat: 38.00g
Saturated Fat: 10.48g
Trans Fat: 0.28g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.31g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.26g
Carbohydrates: 30.24g
Fiber: 2.33g
Sugar: 2.70g
Protein: 25.21g
Cholesterol: 84.85mg
Sodium: 787.32mg
Calcium: 47.52mg
Potassium: 457.53mg
Iron: 2.21mg
Vitamin A: 66.87µg
Vitamin C: 16.35mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

When cooking the chicken tenderloins, ensure that the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help to sear the chicken quickly, locking in the juices and ensuring a golden brown, crispy exterior. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, affecting the texture and flavor. Lastly, when adding the orange juice and lemon juice to the skillet, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Citrus Chicken Tenders

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken tenders the night before to infuse them with flavor, saving time on the day of cooking.

One-pan wonder: Use the same skillet for cooking the chicken and making the citrus sauce to minimize cleanup.

Organized workspace: Gather all ingredients and utensils before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the chicken is cooking, zest and juice the citrus fruits to save time.

Quick sear: Increase the heat when searing the chicken tenders to achieve a golden brown color in a shorter time.

Efficient assembly: Arrange all the ingredients and tools in a logical order to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth movements in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe

chicken tenderloins - Substitute with turkey tenderloins: Turkey tenderloins are a great substitute for chicken tenderloins as they have a similar texture and flavor, making them an excellent alternative for this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor and behaves similarly to butter when cooking, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to achieve a similar thickening effect in the recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
orange zest - Substitute with mandarin zest: Mandarin zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest, offering a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the dish.
orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice, providing a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor to the dish.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest can be used as a substitute for lemon zest, offering a tangy and citrusy flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, providing a tangy and acidic flavor to the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Presentation Tips for Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

Elevate the plating: Arrange the citrus chicken tenders in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring each piece is placed with precision and care.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the chicken tenders, adding a pop of vibrant green to the dish.
Incorporate citrus zest: Carefully sprinkle additional orange and lemon zest around the plate for a burst of color and flavor.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a small spoon to delicately drizzle the citrus-infused sauce in an artistic swirl around the chicken tenders.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a small cluster of microgreens at the center of the dish, adding a sophisticated and refined element to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some of the plate to remain uncovered, creating a visually striking contrast.
Enhance with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of extravagance by delicately placing edible flowers around the plate, adding a whimsical and luxurious touch to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Citrus Chicken Tenders

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Olive oil: A versatile cooking oil with a rich flavor, commonly used in sautéing and dressings.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing the flavor of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish, commonly used in sautéing and sauces.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic flavor to the dish when sautéed.
All-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
Orange zest: Adds a bright citrus flavor to the dish.
Orange juice: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor to the dish.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

Storing and Freezing Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

To store leftover skillet citrus chicken tenders, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, warm the chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen chicken tenders, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until warm, but this may result in a slightly softer texture.
If you want to freeze the citrus sauce separately, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken tenders in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help to keep the chicken moist.
If you want to restore some of the crispiness to the chicken tenders, you can reheat them in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
To reheat the citrus sauce, pour it into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Once the chicken tenders and sauce are heated, serve them together and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick and delicious meal!

Interesting Fact About Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

Citrus chicken tenders are a delicious and healthy option for a quick and flavorful meal. They are a good source of lean protein and are packed with the refreshing flavors of orange and lemon. This recipe is a great way to add a burst of citrusy goodness to your regular chicken tenders.

Is Making Citrus Chicken Tenders at Home Cost-Effective?

This skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken tenderloins, citrus fruits, and olive oil, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and is versatile for various occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Citrus Chicken Skillet Recipe Healthy?

This skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken tenderloins are a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. The recipe also incorporates citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. Additionally, the use of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and provides a small amount of vitamins and minerals.

However, the recipe also includes some less healthy ingredients and cooking methods. The use of butter and olive oil adds saturated and unsaturated fats to the dish, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess. The all-purpose flour used to thicken the sauce is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and nutrients. Moreover, the recipe calls for seasoning the chicken with salt, which can lead to increased sodium intake if not used in moderation.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or avocado
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
Limit the amount of added salt and rely more on citrus juices and zest for flavor
Serve the chicken tenders with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal
Use a non-stick skillet or cooking spray to reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking

By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe while also supporting your overall health and well-being.

Editor's Opinion on This Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe

The skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe is a delightful combination of zesty citrus flavors and tender chicken. The cooking method ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, while the citrus-infused sauce adds a bright and refreshing element. The use of orange and lemon zest provides a fragrant aroma, and the addition of fresh parsley brings a pop of color and herbaceousness to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a balance of savory and citrusy notes, making it a delicious and vibrant choice for a satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful citrus sauce.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest for a refreshing side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the tangy citrus chicken tenders.

Similar Recipes to Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

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Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich and savory sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and cream together to create a comforting and velvety smooth tomato basil soup that's perfect for any occasion.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable savory stuffed mushrooms. The combination of earthy mushrooms, savory sausage, and creamy cheese will leave everyone wanting more. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering or party.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. The crunchy coconut coating paired with succulent shrimp is a match made in heaven. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with a molten center when you dig in. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.

Tiramisu: Create a classic Italian tiramisu with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder for a touch of bitterness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

Why trust this Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe:

This skillet citrus chicken tenders recipe is a delightful combination of citrus flavors and tender chicken. The use of orange juice and lemon juice adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the dish, while the olive oil and butter bring out rich and savory notes. The careful balance of flavors and the step-by-step instructions ensure a delicious and satisfying meal. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a delightful culinary experience.

Share your thoughts on this Skillet Citrus Chicken Tenders Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins for this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I substitute the orange and lemon zest with bottled juice?

While you can use bottled orange and lemon juice, the zest adds a fresh and vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the dish. If using bottled juice, consider adding a bit less than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the citrus sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and cook the chicken tenders fresh for the best flavor and texture.

What can I serve with the skillet citrus chicken tenders?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. The citrus flavors also complement roasted potatoes or couscous.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh parsley provides a bright and herbaceous flavor, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust the quantity to taste.