Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
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
- Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- 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.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook covered for about 6 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken for a burst of freshness.
- Flip the chicken tenderloins and cook for another 6 minutes, or until a dark, crispy crust forms on the outside.
- 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.