Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This simple yet flavorful recipe delivers perfectly seasoned chicken tenderloins with a crispy crust, ideal for a quick meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken tenderloins
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons paprika, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • lemon, juiced

Directions

  1. Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
  2. Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and chili powder. Toss the chicken thoroughly with tongs or a spoon to ensure an even coat of spices.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook covered for about 6 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
  5. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken for a burst of freshness.
  6. Flip the chicken tenderloins and cook for another 6 minutes, or until a dark, crispy crust forms on the outside.
  7. Once cooked, remove from the pan and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cajun chicken!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 198
Total Fat 15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 2g (12% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 31mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium 193mg (8% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 5g (2% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 12g (24% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 12mg (14% Daily Value)
Calcium 23mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron 1mg (6% Daily Value)
Potassium 187mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Comments

Theresa Smith

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Excellent recipe! Chicken stayed juicy, it was well seasoned and quick to make. I used it over a salad.

Val

07/16/2020 09:13:51 PM

I cooked it for 6 minutes and then 4 minutes on the other side. It was perfect. Thanks!

Mary Horyd

07/20/2023 10:43:15 PM

I had about 8 chicken tenderloins. I would suggest mixing the spices together in a bowl before putting it on top of the chicken so it gets evenly distributed. 3 Tablespoons of oil to cook the chicken was way too much, the tenderloins never got crispy. It was tasty but I don't think I'll be making it again.

Tamara Wallett

12/19/2023 12:22:28 AM

I cooked 8 of them, I sautéed 5 minutes per side med heat first side, after flipping turned down to almost low, they registered more than 165. I will try 4 minutes per side next time. They were absolutely packed with amazing flavor. :) Doubled the seasoning, since doubled the tenders.

AmyDitt

06/23/2024 02:34:04 PM

I followed recipe as written. When I make it again, I will not add any salt since the Cajun spice is salty itself. Also, I would add 2 tbs oil, not 3. Overall, it was quite simple and very quick to make. I saved this recipe to make again. Thank you, Dee, for submitting your recipe!!

Kym L

07/28/2020 11:19:50 PM

Actually prepared this dish, with Garlic Herb Pilaf & Steamed broccoli. I used Olive oil, opposed to Wesson oil. Though the Tenderloins weren't crispy, I must admit they were juicy & tasty. Sidebar: Cooked on a low-medium flame.. Next tyme, I'll try Vegetable oil.

1010lisalynn

05/16/2024 04:53:30 AM

Wow Finally a New Favorite Chicken Dish I Have Been Hankering For! I cooked this chicken up to 160 degrees rather than the 6 minutes on each side. The chicken was crispy and oh so favorable on the outside and super moist on the inside. I only wish that every chicken dish in my cooking future would turn out just like this. I would be clucking forever! The only change I made was to use Creole seasoning vs Cajun.

Paula

05/13/2024 01:45:23 PM

I only had 3 tenderloins, so I used a little less of the spice mixture. I also used only 1 tsp oil to cover the chicken and then just a squirt of oil to fry it in. Even making those changes, this was the most flavorful, spicy (in a good way) chicken I’ve ever made. It was delicious and something I’ll fix again.

margehillman60

11/15/2023 12:29:33 AM

This was very easy however I think too many spices. I like spicy but I think I would eliminate either the chili powder or the cajun spice.

Monica Tenneson

02/10/2019 02:30:45 AM

I used yellow curry powder instead, since that’s what I had. Also used dried chopped onion instead of onion powder. Again, because that’s what I had. It’s still cooking, but smells amazing. I’m topping it on steamed Wild rice, steamed spinach on a pita wrap. I’m so anxious to try it.

CoolBoba4131

08/30/2025 04:03:10 PM

I used lesser amounts of spices as we can’t tolerate that much. Needs NO salt! Otherwise, very tasty, moist, and quick to prepare.

Sofia Danko

06/29/2025 10:30:53 PM

No changes, delicious

DreamySage9689

02/26/2025 01:07:47 AM

Was told it was the best chicken I have ever made.

OldUbe1626

02/23/2025 08:59:37 PM

This recipe is an all-star, definitely a keeper!

Jennifer Morelli Moylan

01/28/2025 12:21:39 AM

I did without the cajun seasoning because I didn't have any, but the paprika and other seasonings were fine. I let it crisp up a bit in the pan like it said, we all loved it. Definitely an easy go to for any night.

Mary Rodriguez

01/06/2025 10:40:47 PM

Made it on a rainy evening — perfection.

GoldenCane4065

11/18/2024 10:36:15 PM

I felt successful at making tender, juicy chicken!

John Phillips

09/18/2024 10:33:05 PM

This recipe is straight-up gold.

RusticSoy7979

09/13/2024 01:26:21 PM

Perfect recipe, chicken tender. Easy to make.

Annie Jaehnig

01/31/2022 01:18:39 PM

the best! moist every time.