Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
Craving a quick and delicious dinner?
These Sazon Chicken Tenders are the answer! With just a few pantry staples and simple seasoning, you can whip up a flavorful, kid-friendly meal in under 15 minutes.
The savory sazon seasoning gives the chicken a burst of Latin-inspired flavor, and the fresh tomato sauce brings it all together.
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but packed with flavor!
For Sazon Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenders – I’ve used 1.25 lbs of chicken tenders, but you can also use chicken breasts or thighs.
- Sazon Seasoning – Adds bold, Latin-inspired flavors.
- Kosher Salt – For seasoning the chicken to your taste.
- Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Scallions – For a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Garlic – Adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Tomato – For a fresh, juicy base in the sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Use low-sodium broth for a balanced flavor in the sauce.
Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
.
- 8 (1.25 lbs) chicken tenders
- 1 1/2 tsp dry sazon seasoning (or homemade sazon)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup diced scallions
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (make sure it's Whole 30 compliant and gluten-free if needed)
- Season the chicken tenders with sazon seasoning and salt.
- Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil. Add the diced scallions and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then, stir in the diced tomato, season with salt, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomato softens and the mixture thickens.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, and return the chicken tenders to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat the chicken through and thicken the sauce.
- Serve the chicken tenders with the tomato sauce, and enjoy!
- Can I use any chicken cuts for this recipe?
Yes! Chicken breasts, thighs, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken will work well. Just adjust the cooking time to suit the cut you’re using.
- Can I skip the sazon seasoning if I don’t have it?
While sazon adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with a combination of garlic powder, cumin, and paprika for a similar effect. It’s a simple way to make the dish without missing the classic sazon taste!
- How can I save time with the sauce?
Instead of sautéing the tomato and scallions from scratch, you can use a store-bought tomato sauce to save a few minutes. Add a pinch of sazon seasoning and you’re good to go!
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and season it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cook it the next day. This will make the meal even faster to put together.
- How do I make this more family-friendly?
For younger kids, you can reduce the seasoning slightly or make the sauce without the added garlic and tomatoes. You could also serve it with a side of rice or steamed veggies to keep it balanced and appealing to all ages.
