This weeknight skillet sazon chicken tenders recipe is a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. The sazon seasoning adds a unique flavor that will spice up your weekly dinner rotation. The combination of the chicken tenders, garlic, and tomatoes creates a satisfying, hearty meal that's also healthy.
Sazon seasoning is a type of seasoning popular in Latin cooking, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It's a blend of various spices such as coriander, cumin, achiote, garlic, and oregano. It may not be a staple in your pantry, but you can easily find it in the spice aisle of any supermarket or online.
Ingredients for Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders: These are lean strips of chicken breast that cook quickly and are perfect for weeknight dinners.
Sazon seasoning: This is a Latin spice blend that gives the chicken a flavorful kick.
Kosher salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
Scallions: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Adds depth and a savory note to the chicken.
Tomato: Adds a touch of freshness and acidity to the dish.
Chicken broth: Helps create a delicious sauce.
One reader, Andriette Coppola says:
This weeknight skillet sazon chicken tenders recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible and the dish is so easy to make. It's become a regular in my dinner rotation. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, and the sazon seasoning adds a delicious kick. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
Seasoning the chicken: Rub the dry sazon seasoning and salt onto the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cooking the chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenders and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a dish.
Sauteing the scallions: In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of oil. Add the scallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant.
Preparing the tomato mixture: Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the tomato and season with salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomato is soft and the mixture has thickened.
Simmering the chicken in the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
How To Make Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
Make weeknight dinners extra special with our savory and tender sazon-spiced chicken tenders, easily cooked in just 15 minutes in a skillet!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1.25lbschicken tenders,8 pieces
- 1½tspsazon seasoning,dry
- kosher salt,to taste
- 2tspolive oil,divided
- ½cupscallions,diced
- 3garlic cloves,crushed
- 1tomato,medium, diced
- ⅓cupchicken broth,reduced sodium, check labels for Whole 30 Compliant and Gluten Free
Instructions
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Season the chicken with the dry sazon seasoning and salt.
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Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken, and cook for 4 minutes. Turn and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Set aside on a dish.
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Add the remaining teaspoon of oil. Add the scallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
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Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato, season with salt, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and thickened.
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Add the broth, then mix and return the chicken. Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 414.50kcal
- Fat: 24.95g
- Saturated Fat: 5.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.07g
- Carbohydrates: 25.21g
- Fiber: 2.36g
- Sugar: 1.97g
- Protein: 22.08g
- Cholesterol: 58.72mg
- Sodium: 672.00mg
- Calcium: 49.30mg
- Potassium: 444.61mg
- Iron: 2.13mg
- Vitamin A: 20.11µg
- Vitamin C: 8.51mg
Crucial Technique for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Tenders
When seasoning your chicken tenders with sazon seasoning and salt, it's best to do so in a bowl and ensure each piece is evenly coated. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and get a nice golden brown sear. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sazon seasoning and chop the vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonder: Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and vegetables together, minimizing clean-up and saving time.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, use that time to chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce ingredients to expedite the cooking process.
Quick simmer: Simmer the chicken in the sauce for just a few minutes to infuse flavor without extending the cooking time.
Efficient chopping: Use a sharp knife and proper cutting techniques to quickly chop the vegetables for the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders Recipe
chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders are a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken tenders, offering a similar texture and taste.
sazon seasoning - Substitute with homemade sazon seasoning: You can make your own sazon seasoning using a blend of ground coriander, cumin, annatto, garlic powder, and salt for a homemade alternative.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
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.
scallions - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, offering a convenient alternative without compromising the flavor.
tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can add a similar color and texture to the dish, while providing a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Presentation Tips for Serving Sazon Chicken Tenders
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken tenders in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other to create an elegant presentation on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the chicken tenders to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Create a vibrant side salad: Serve the sazon chicken tenders alongside a colorful salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced radishes dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a side of crispy plantain chips or yucca fries to provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
Enhance with a drizzle: Finish the dish with a drizzle of a flavorful cilantro-lime aioli or a tangy mango salsa for an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skillet Chicken Tenders
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Nonstick skillet: A skillet with a nonstick coating that prevents food from sticking to the pan.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cup: A container used to measure liquid or dry ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and serving food.
- Lid: A cover for the skillet used to trap heat and steam during cooking.
- Dish: A container used for holding and serving food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
Let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chicken tenders can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken tenders in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for easy portioning, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container for long-term storage (up to 3 months).
To maintain the best quality and texture of the chicken tenders and sauce, avoid repeated freezing and thawing cycles. Only thaw and reheat the amount you plan to consume at one time.
How To Reheat Leftover 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 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is 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 the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you want to crisp up the exterior of the chicken tenders, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftover chicken tenders and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until crispy and heated through.
For a flavorful twist, slice the leftover chicken tenders and add them to a salad, wrap, or sandwich. The sazon seasoning will add a delicious kick to your meal.
If you have leftover sauce from the original dish, reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warm, drizzle the sauce over the reheated chicken tenders for an extra burst of flavor.
Interesting Fact About Sazon Seasoning
The sazon seasoning used in this recipe is a popular seasoning in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, known for its vibrant color and robust flavor. It typically includes a blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, annatto, and garlic, adding a unique and delicious taste to the chicken tenders.
Is Making Skillet Chicken Tenders at Home Cost-Effective?
This sazon chicken tenders recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken tenders, scallions, and tomato, are affordable and readily available. The addition of sazon seasoning enhances the flavor without requiring expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $15-$20. Overall, this recipe offers a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal. I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and flavorful outcome.
Is This Skillet Chicken Tender Recipe Healthy?
The weeknight skillet sazon chicken tenders recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's why:
Positives:
- Chicken tenders are a lean protein source
- Scallions, garlic, and tomato provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat
- The recipe uses minimal added salt
Negatives:
- The sazon seasoning may contain high amounts of sodium
- The recipe lacks a significant source of fiber and complex carbohydrates
- The cooking method (frying) adds extra fat to the dish
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a low-sodium or homemade sazon seasoning to reduce the overall sodium content
- Serve the chicken tenders with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to add fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Include additional non-starchy vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density of the meal
- Instead of frying the chicken, try baking or grilling it to reduce the added fat content
- Use a reduced-sodium chicken broth to further minimize the salt content of the dish
By incorporating these changes, you can enhance the nutritional value of the weeknight skillet sazon chicken tenders recipe while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
Editor's Opinion on These Sazon Chicken Tenders
The combination of sazon seasoning, scallions, and garlic in this weeknight skillet chicken tender recipe creates a burst of flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. The cooking method ensures the tenders are juicy and tender, while the tomato and chicken broth add a delightful depth to the dish. This recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate a weeknight meal, and the resulting flavors are sure to impress.
Why trust this Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious results, as it features high-quality chicken tenders seasoned with authentic sazon seasoning and kosher salt. The use of olive oil and fresh scallions enhances the flavors, while the addition of garlic and tomato creates a rich and aromatic base. The inclusion of chicken broth ensures a savory and well-balanced sauce. With these premium ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.
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