Chicken tenderloins are one of the easiest, quickest proteins to cook, making them perfect for low-carb meals.
With the right seasoning and cooking method, they become juicy, flavorful, and ideal for healthy eating.
These recipes use herbs, spices, low-carb marinades, cheeses, and keto-friendly coatings to keep carbs low while boosting taste.
Whether baked, grilled, pan-seared, or air-fried, chicken tenderloins adapt to countless flavor combinations.
In this article, we’ve gathered 15 low carb chicken tenderloin recipes that are simple to prepare and delicious for everyday meals.
15 Quick Low Carb Chicken Tenderloin Recipes for Easy Meal
Low carb chicken tenderloin dishes prove that healthy food can be bold, juicy, and satisfying.
These 15 recipes offer a mix of cooking styles and flavors so you can rotate meals without boredom.
Add vegetables, pair with low-carb sauces, or slice tenderloins into salads for quick and balanced plates.
Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, and energy-boosting lunches.
With a few spices and low-carb ingredients, you can make everyday chicken creative and delicious without extra carbs.
Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe creates rich and buttery chicken tenderloins infused with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs.
The chicken cooks quickly while staying juicy, making it perfect for a low-carb weeknight dinner.
The herb butter deeply coats every piece, adding warmth, fragrance, and a satisfying savory depth.
Low-carb vegetables pair beautifully with these tenderloins for a complete meal.
You can prepare this dish in just minutes while still enjoying gourmet-level flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan to create a hot base that allows the chicken to sear deeply and form a golden outer layer while staying juicy inside.
- Add the chicken tenderloins and cook until they develop a flavorful crust, flipping to ensure both sides caramelize properly.
- Melt butter in the same pan and stir in minced garlic, allowing the aroma to bloom and flavor the butter without burning.
- Add parsley, thyme, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and black pepper, mixing them into the butter to create a rich and herbal sauce.
- Spoon the garlic herb butter repeatedly over the chicken so each tenderloin absorbs maximum flavor.
- Simmer for a few minutes to help the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken.
- Remove from heat and rest the chicken slightly so the juices settle and the flavors balance.
The butter coats every tenderloin with richness.
The herbs brighten the flavor.
The lemon lifts the heaviness of butter.
The garlic perfumes the entire dish.
The chicken stays tender from the gentle simmer.
This meal fits any low-carb lifestyle easily.
Low-Carb Coconut Cream Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe creates velvety, coconut-infused chicken tenderloins that are creamy without being heavy.
The coconut flavor blends with warm spices to create a comforting and lightly exotic taste profile.
The chicken remains moist as it absorbs the coconut cream, creating a sauce that clings beautifully.
The entire dish stays low-carb while tasting indulgent and satisfying.
Perfect for a soothing evening meal that feels both nourishing and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Coconut cream
- Coconut oil
- Ginger paste
- Garlic paste
- Turmeric
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Warm coconut oil in a pan to create a fragrant base that enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut cream.
- Add garlic paste and ginger paste to bring out aromatic depth and allow their flavors to infuse the oil.
- Place the chicken tenderloins into the pan and cook until lightly browned on each side.
- Sprinkle turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to build layers of warm spice.
- Pour in coconut cream and stir gently, allowing it to melt into the seasonings and coat the chicken evenly.
- Simmer slowly so the sauce thickens and becomes silky, while the chicken absorbs its flavor.
- Add lime juice for brightness and finish with fresh cilantro to create contrast.
The coconut cream thickens into a luxurious sauce.
The spices warm the palate gently.
The lime juice keeps the flavor bright.
The cilantro adds fresh green notes.
The dish satisfies without weighing you down.
It remains perfectly low-carb and deeply comforting.
Parmesan Crusted Low-Carb Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe delivers crunchy, golden chicken tenderloins using Parmesan instead of breadcrumbs.
The cheese crisps beautifully, creating a low-carb crust that is flavorful and addictive.
The tenderloins remain juicy inside while the outside becomes satisfyingly crisp.
The seasoning blends enhance both the chicken and the Parmesan crust.
This dish fits effortlessly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Grated Parmesan
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a bowl to create a coating that will help the Parmesan stick firmly to the chicken.
- Mix Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in another bowl to build a flavorful crust mixture.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg wash to ensure full coverage.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture so the crust adheres tightly and evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and place the coated chicken gently into the hot surface.
- Cook until the crust becomes golden and crisp, flipping carefully to avoid breaking the coating.
- Continue cooking until the interior stays juicy while the outside becomes fully crunchy.
The Parmesan crust gives deep flavor.
The spices create balance.
The egg ensures the coating sticks well.
The chicken stays moist.
The texture contrasts beautifully.
The dish satisfies any low-carb craving for crunch.
Lemon Pepper Pan-Seared Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe celebrates bright lemon flavor paired with bold black pepper.
The chicken tenderloins cook quickly yet become deeply seasoned as they absorb the citrus and pepper.
The lemon provides freshness while the spices add warmth and depth.
This meal tastes light but incredibly flavorful.
Perfect for easy low-carb meal prep or weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Cracked black pepper
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Thyme
- Butter
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry to ensure proper browning during searing.
- Season with salt, garlic powder, thyme, lemon zest, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan until shimmering, then add the chicken to achieve a golden sear.
- Flip the tenderloins once they release naturally from the surface.
- Add butter and lemon juice to create a glossy pan sauce.
- Spoon the sauce repeatedly over the chicken to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before serving to keep it moist.
The lemon brightens the entire dish.
The pepper adds boldness.
The butter smooths the flavors.
The searing technique preserves moisture.
The aroma is refreshing.
This dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Creamy Spinach Low-Carb Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich spinach and cream sauce.
The flavors blend into a comforting dish that feels hearty while remaining low-carb.
The spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color and nutrients.
The cream thickens to coat the tenderloins beautifully.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- Parmesan
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- Heat olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface that keeps the chicken from sticking.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned; then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and soft.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir, allowing it to blend with the aromatics.
- Add spinach and let it wilt gently into the cream.
- Stir in Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg to enrich the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until everything thickens into a velvety mixture.
The spinach adds freshness.
The cream adds richness.
The Parmesan deepens flavor.
The chicken stays tender.
The sauce coats everything beautifully.
The dish satisfies without adding carbs
Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Tenderloins
This dish combines tender chicken with a velvety Dijon mustard sauce.
The mustard provides sharpness while the cream softens the edges to create balance.
The chicken absorbs the depth of flavor as it simmers.
The aromas are warm and inviting.
It remains entirely low-carb yet tastes indulgent.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Dijon mustard
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Parsley
Instructions
- Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter to create a rich cooking surface that melts evenly and prevents the chicken from sticking as it browns.
- Add the chicken tenderloins and sear them slowly, allowing each side to take on a deep golden color while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
- Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pan to enrich the upcoming sauce.
- Add minced garlic and sauté gently so its aroma infuses the butter without burning, releasing sweetness and depth.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and mix thoroughly, allowing it to dissolve into the garlic butter and create a pungent, savory base.
- Pour in chicken broth and let the mixture simmer, reducing slightly so the flavors concentrate and deepen.
- Add heavy cream and whisk gently, forming a thick, velvety sauce that coats the pan smoothly.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer slowly, allowing it to absorb the creamy mustard sauce fully.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a warm, balanced flavor profile.
- Finish with chopped parsley before serving to add brightness and freshness.
The mustard gives depth.
The cream adds smoothness.
The garlic builds aroma.
The chicken becomes extremely tender.
The sauce coats beautifully.
The dish feels indulgent yet remains low-carb.
Low-Carb Basil Pesto Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe highlights the bright and fragrant flavors of fresh basil pesto.
The chicken tenderloins soak up the herbal aroma deeply.
The Parmesan and olive oil give richness while keeping it light.
The garlic adds bold notes.
The dish pairs well with zucchini noodles or sautéed vegetables.
Ideal for simple low-carb meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat olive oil on medium to create a smooth, even base that encourages gentle browning without burning the delicate herbs in the pesto later.
- Add the chicken tenderloins and cook slowly, letting each piece develop a light golden surface that locks in moisture.
- Grate fresh garlic directly into the pan so it softens and releases aroma into the oil, creating a fragrant foundation.
- Once slightly browned, spoon basil pesto over the chicken and spread evenly so each tenderloin becomes fully coated.
- Add a splash of water or broth to help the pesto loosen and melt into a warm, glossy sauce.
- Stir gently as the chicken continues cooking, allowing the pesto to cling and thicken while the chicken absorbs its herbal, garlicky richness.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to brighten the flavors without overpowering the basil.
- Simmer for a few minutes so the sauce settles uniformly.
The basil creates freshness.
The oil adds smoothness.
The garlic adds intensity.
The chicken stays juicy.
The sauce clings beautifully.
The dish remains fully low-carb and vibrant.
Low-Carb Cajun Butter Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe delivers spicy, smoky, buttery chicken that bursts with Cajun flavor.
The tenderloins absorb the seasoning blend deeply.
The butter enriches the spices and helps them cling to the meat.
The aroma is bold and comforting.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys flavorful low-carb meals with a kick.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by coating the chicken tenderloins generously with Cajun seasoning to ensure that every part absorbs the smoky, spicy flavor thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a pan until hot enough to sear, then add the chicken and let it brown slowly, forming a flavorful crust.
- Once lightly browned, add butter and allow it to melt completely, mixing with the oil to create a rich base for the seasonings.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the melted butter to thicken the seasoning layer.
- Turn the chicken repeatedly in the buttery spice blend so the flavors penetrate deeply and coat the surface evenly.
- Add a small splash of lemon juice to enhance brightness and balance the heat of the spices.
- Continue simmering until the chicken becomes tender, glossy, and thoroughly infused with Cajun butter.
The spices bring heat.
The butter brings richness.
The lemon brings balance.
The aroma is bold and warm.
The chicken stays tender and juicy.
The dish fits perfectly into a low-carb diet.
Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Tenderloins
This dish combines creamy sauce with tangy Parmesan and bold garlic aromas.
The chicken stays tender as it simmers gently in the rich sauce.
The Parmesan melts into the cream to create depth.
The garlic enhances every layer.
This recipe offers comfort while staying entirely low-carb.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter together to create a rich, golden base that enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Add the chicken tenderloins and sear each side until lightly golden, allowing the natural juices to remain sealed inside.
- Remove the chicken and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, filling the pan with its strong fragrance.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir gently, creating a smooth, thick foundation for the sauce.
- Add Parmesan gradually, allowing it to melt completely and blend with the cream to produce a velvety texture.
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to build a balanced flavor profile that complements the richness.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and let it simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to deepen and coat every piece evenly.
The garlic adds strong aroma.
The cheese adds depth.
The cream adds smoothness.
The herbs add balance.
The chicken stays soft.
The dish remains indulgent yet low-carb.
Sesame Ginger Low-Carb Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe delivers Asian-inspired flavors with sesame, ginger, and garlic.
The chicken absorbs the marinade deeply.
The sesame oil brings nutty richness.
The ginger adds warmth and brightness.
The dish feels fresh and energizing while staying entirely low-carb.
Perfect for quick meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos (low-carb option)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rice vinegar
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine sesame oil, soy sauce or coconut aminos, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl to form a deeply aromatic marinade.
- Submerge the chicken tenderloins fully so they absorb the nutty, tangy, and spicy flavors thoroughly.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan until fragrant, then place the marinated chicken into the hot surface.
- Let the chicken cook slowly, allowing excess marinade to caramelize and form a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Sprinkle chili flakes for heat and continue cooking until the chicken develops a golden glaze.
- Add a splash of marinade during cooking to intensify the coating and keep the chicken moist.
- Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds to enhance texture and introduce a subtle crunch.
The sesame adds nuttiness.
The ginger adds warmth.
The garlic adds depth.
The glaze adds shine.
The chicken stays tender.
The meal remains entirely low-carb and flavorful
Rosemary Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe blends the brightness of lemon with the strong aroma of rosemary.
The garlic adds deep savory layers that soak into the tenderloins.
The chicken becomes fragrant and juicy as it cooks slowly in the infused oil.
The flavor is clean, refreshing, and perfect for low-carb meals.
It tastes both simple and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Fresh rosemary
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Butter
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a pan to create a smooth, even cooking base that prevents sticking and helps the rosemary release its aroma.
- Add minced garlic and stir gently, allowing it to soften and perfume the oil without burning, which builds a flavorful foundation.
- Place the chicken tenderloins into the pan and let them sear slowly so they develop a golden crust while the inside stays juicy.
- Add chopped rosemary, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and paprika, letting the heat activate their flavors and cling to the chicken surface.
- Pour lemon juice over the tenderloins so the acidity penetrates the meat and balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Add butter and allow it to melt into the lemon and garlic, forming a glossy sauce around the chicken.
- Simmer gently so the rosemary infuses deeply into the sauce and the chicken absorbs every layer of flavor.
The lemon brightens the dish.
The rosemary adds depth.
The garlic builds aroma.
The butter softens the acidity.
The chicken becomes juicy and tender.
The dish tastes fresh while staying fully low-carb.
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe transforms chicken tenderloins into a comforting, creamy tomato dish.
The basil adds freshness while the tomato provides warmth.
The cream thickens into a luxurious sauce that coats each piece beautifully.
The flavors balance between rich and light.
The chicken absorbs the sauce and becomes extremely tender.
Perfect for low-carb dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Basil
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter to create a rich, golden base that allows the tomato and garlic to cook evenly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, building the first layer of flavor for the sauce.
- Place chicken tenderloins into the pan and cook until lightly browned, sealing in moisture.
- Add tomato paste and mix it directly into the oil, letting it caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and turns into a creamy tomato sauce.
- Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Add chopped basil and simmer gently so the herb releases its aroma into the cream.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and cook slowly until it absorbs the creamy tomato flavors.
The cream adds richness.
The tomato adds warmth.
The basil adds brightness.
The chicken becomes extremely tender.
The flavors blend perfectly.
The dish stays low-carb yet deeply comforting.
Low-Carb Chili Lime Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe delivers a vibrant combination of heat and citrus.
The lime lightens the dish and highlights the chili spices.
The chicken becomes flavorful as it marinates and cooks in the tangy mixture.
The aroma is energetic and bold.
The dish feels refreshing and satisfying without any carbs.
Perfect for quick meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Mix lime juice, zest, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a tangy and spicy marinade.
- Coat each chicken tenderloin thoroughly so the citrus and chili can penetrate the meat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and allow it to shimmer before placing the marinated chicken inside.
- Sear the chicken slowly so the outer layer caramelizes slightly, creating a flavorful crust.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the pan so it reduces and forms a glossy coating over the chicken.
- Cook until the lime thickens into a sticky glaze that clings to each tenderloin.
- Add chopped cilantro toward the end to provide freshness and contrast.
The lime adds brightness.
The chili adds heat.
The cilantro adds freshness.
The glaze adds richness.
The chicken remains juicy.
The dish stays completely low-carb and refreshing.
Spinach Artichoke Cream Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe turns classic spinach-artichoke flavors into a low-carb chicken dish.
The cream provides smooth richness.
The spinach adds color and nutrition.
The artichokes bring a tangy, savory note.
The chicken absorbs the sauce and becomes tender.
The dish feels luxurious yet remains perfectly low-carb.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Spinach
- Artichoke hearts
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Warm butter and olive oil in a pan to create a rich base that melts smoothly and carries the flavors well.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until soft and golden, releasing its aroma.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt gently and combine with the garlic.
- Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, letting them melt into a thick, velvety sauce.
- Add Parmesan to deepen the flavor and add extra richness.
- Season with salt and pepper to balance the creamy mixture.
- Place the chicken tenderloins into the sauce and simmer slowly until fully cooked and soaked with flavor.
The cream thickens beautifully.
The spinach adds freshness.
The artichokes add tang.
The garlic adds aroma.
The chicken becomes tender.
The dish stays low-carb and deeply satisfying.
Butter Garlic Paprika Chicken Tenderloins
This recipe focuses on warm, buttery, garlicky flavors.
The paprika adds smoky sweetness that coats the chicken beautifully.
The butter melts into a glossy sauce that enhances tenderness.
The garlic perfumes the entire dish.
The chicken browns deeply while staying moist.
Perfect for any low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Butter
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a pan to create a rich, smooth cooking surface.
- Add garlic and cook gently until aromatic, building a flavorful foundation.
- Season chicken tenderloins with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme so the spices cling well.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook slowly so the butter infuses the spices deeply.
- Flip the chicken repeatedly to ensure even browning and flavor absorption.
- Add lemon juice to balance the richness of the butter.
- Simmer until the butter becomes a glossy, seasoned coating over the chicken.
The butter adds richness.
The garlic adds bold aroma.
The paprika adds warmth.
The lemon balances the flavors.
The chicken stays tender.
The dish remains fully low-carb and comforting.
