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Print / PDFraw chicken tender
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 20 mins
- marinating
- 30 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment
- 1 Skillet — For cooking the chicken
- 1 Mixing bowl — For mixing the marinade
- 1 Meat Thermometer — To check the internal temperature
Method
- 1
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken – Start by rinsing the raw chicken tender under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture.
- 2
Step 2: Season the Chicken – In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken tender evenly with this mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 3
Step 3: Cook the Chicken – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken tender and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- 4
Step 4: Rest and Serve – Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 0g |
Why You’ll Love This raw chicken tender
- Juicy and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for any cuisine—grill, bake, or stir-fry!
- Quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Packed with protein to fuel your day.
- Perfect for meal prepping and easy to customize with your favorite spices.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make delicious raw chicken tender!

- 1 lb – raw chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp – olive oil, for marinating
- 1 tsp – garlic powder
- 1 tsp – onion powder
- 1 tsp – paprika
- 1/2 tsp – salt
- 1/2 tsp – black pepper
How to Make raw chicken tender
Get ready to create a delicious meal with raw chicken tender! The preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is around 20 minutes, and if you choose to marinate, add an extra 30 minutes for that burst of flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the raw chicken tender under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken tender evenly with this mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken tender and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (marinating) |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With your favorite sides |
Pro Tips for Making raw chicken tender
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken for even cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid drying out the tender.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing for juiciness.
- Pair with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
How to Serve this raw chicken tender
- Serve with a zesty lemon herb sauce for a fresh kick.
- Pair with a colorful quinoa salad for a nutritious boost.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves with crunchy veggies for a fun, low-carb option.
- Top with a creamy avocado dressing for a rich flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and reheating raw chicken tender is simple and keeps your meal fresh.
Storing raw chicken tender Leftovers
- Cool leftovers to room temperature.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing raw chicken tender
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating raw chicken tender
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Use a microwave for quick reheating, but check for even warmth.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with raw chicken tenders is not just easy; it’s a delightful adventure! Picture the aroma filling your kitchen as you whip up this stunning meal. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, let your creativity flow, and enjoy every bite of this delicious dish. Happy cooking!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
Can you eat raw chicken tenders?
Can you buy chicken tenders raw?
What if I ate chicken that was a little pink?
How to make raw chicken soft and tender?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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