Imagine juicy chicken tenderloins slow-cooked until they’re perfectly tender and full of flavor, all with minimal effort.
With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
As the chicken gently simmers and soaks up all those delicious seasonings, you’ll see how effortless it is to make something truly comforting.
Let’s dive into making these delicious Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
Here’s a timeline for preparing and cooking Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins efficiently:
- Reading & Preparation: 5 minutes
- Read the entire recipe and instructions to understand the steps involved.
- Prep Work: 10 minutes
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Place the chicken tenderloins on a cutting board.
- Mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins.
- Setting Up Crockpot: 5 minutes
- Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.
- Cooking: 3 hours
- Allow the chicken to cook in the crockpot without lifting the lid to retain moisture and heat.
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest.
- Garnishing & Serving: 5 minutes
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Note: You can use the cooking time to prepare any side dishes or vegetables if desired.
Recipe Instructions
Place the chicken tenderloins on a cutting board.
Mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins.
Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the crockpot.
Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A simple and classic side that complements the flavors of the chicken tenderloins.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, mashed potatoes pair well with the savory chicken and soak up the delicious broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition to the plate with a mix of roasted carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers.
- Garden Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a revitalizing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful juices from the crockpot, adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Storage
Store leftover crockpot chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins, cool them completely.
Then place in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins, use a microwave or oven.
Cover and heat on low to retain moisture.
Add a splash of broth if needed, and avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Making crockpot chicken tenderloins is a simple and rewarding experience.
With minimal preparation and a few hours of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and tender meal.
The key to success lies in the seasoning and the slow cooking process.
By following the recipe and tips provided, you can guarantee that your chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Additionally, feel free to customize the dish to suit your preferences by adjusting the spices or adding complementary vegetables to the crockpot.
This dish is perfect for a busy day when you want a hassle-free, comforting dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenderloins in the Crockpot?
You can use frozen chicken tenderloins in the crockpot, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Verify they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add additional seasonings or vegetables to maintain flavor and moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Parsley?
You can substitute fresh parsley with 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Alternatively, use 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile. Make certain the herbs are finely chopped to release their aromas and integrate well with the dish.
How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?
To make it spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix. For extra heat, stir in 1 teaspoon hot sauce with the chicken broth and lemon juice.
Is It Possible to Cook on High Heat for Less Time?
Yes, you can cook on high heat for about 1.5 hours. Guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking. Consider adding 1/4 cup more broth to maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.
What Sides Pair Well With Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins?
Pair crockpot chicken tenderloins with 1 cup of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, or a 1/2 cup of quinoa salad. Enhance flavors by drizzling a lemon herb vinaigrette on the salad.
Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken tenderloins on a cutting board.
- Mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
