This Easy Smothered Chicken Tenders with Pan Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The tenders cook quickly, and the rich, flavorful pan gravy comes together with simple ingredients. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and your favorite vegetables for an easy, family-friendly dinner everyone will love.

Easy Smothered Chicken Tenders and Pan Gravy Recipe

Pan frying chicken couldn’t be easier to do, and depending on the size, these chicken tenders literally cook in minutes. The day I put this smothered chicken recipe together, I had mushrooms on hand that needed to be used, so I included that in this recipe to demonstrate a variation. However, they are truly optional and can be omitted. I just couldn’t bear to let them go to waste.

The lightly breaded tenders with onion gravy are incredible with or without the addition of mushrooms, and if you choose to leave them out, no other adjustments need to be made.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make these Easy Smothered Chicken Tenders and Gravy: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Chicken – Store-bought chicken tenders, if frozen they should be thawed.
Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the breading.
Spices – Rotisserie chicken seasoning, garlic powder or granulated garlic, onion powder, dried tarragon, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning.
Onion – Sweet onion or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
Mushrooms – Fresh portabella mushrooms add bulk to the gravy topping. (optional)
Oil and Butter – Olive oil and butter add richness.
Liquid – Whole milk or half and half to make the pan gravy.

How to Make the Best Easy Chicken Tenders and Pan Gravy Recipe

Seasoning is key to flavorful Chicken tenders and gravy. When it comes to poultry there’s something magical about combining tarragon and chicken, in my opinion. It enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

Make the Seasoned Flour – Use a whisk to sift together the flour, chicken seasoning, tarragon, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning and black pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup and set aside.
Chicken Tenders – Pat dry chicken tenders with paper towel. Dredge chicken on all sides in the seasoned flour.
Fry the Chicken – Cook the tenders over medium-high heat in oil until the juices run clear. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
Mushrooms and Onions – (Mushrooms are optional.) Cook mushrooms and onions until softened and browned. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Make the Gravy – Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture over the cooked mushrooms and onions, Stir until all liquid is absorbed to make a roux. Add milk, stir to combine. Simmer on low heat until thickened.
Pour gravy over the chicken pieces and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Smothered Chicken Tenders Recipe

Large skillet for frying the chicken tenders. You can use a cast iron skillet or stainless steel skillet.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Shallow bowls to combine the seasoned flour ingredients and a whisk to sift it all together.
Tongs to turn the chicken tenders while frying for even browning.
A large stainless steel spoon for stirring and serving.
Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the onion and mushrooms, if using.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Chicken – If you have difficulty finding chicken tenders, you can cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips and use that, instead. You can also make this recipe with whole boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Chicken Thighs – You could also adapt this recipe using boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs will take longer to cook so adapt the time to accommodate.
Milk – You can use whole milk, half and half or heavy cream to make the gravy.
Veggies – Mushrooms are completely optional in the gravy for this recipe. If you enjoy mushrooms, you’ll love them smothered with the flavorful gravy, but otherwise omit them without any other adjustments needed.
Bacon Grease – You can fry these chicken tenders in bacon drippings for a smoky flavor.
Serving Options – These Smothered Chicken Tenders and Pan Gravy can be ladled over white rice like this recipe for Oven Baked Rice, enjoyed over egg noodles, or served with a big scoop of Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes.
More Serving Ideas – Perhaps you’d enjoy a side of Roasted Asparagus or make-ahead Sweet Pea Salad and you can have an entire meal ready in 30 minutes. If there’s time, a basket filled with Southern Buttermilk Biscuits and a pitcher filled with Southern Sweet Tea to wash it all down wouldn’t hurt. That’s sure to bring them running to the table.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover Smothered Chicken Tenders and Gravy in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat in single servings gently in the microwave. You can use milk or chicken broth to thin the gravy when reheating.
Freezer – You can freeze smothered chicken tenders leftovers for up to 1 month. Freeze chicken and gravy separately, then thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Style Chicken Recipes to Make

Chicken is a regular in my kitchen as I’m certain it is in yours. More easy chicken recipes you may like to try:

The kids will love these Breaded Chicken Tenders with their favorite dipping sauces.
Bring the heat to supper with these Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Strips.
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles can be served for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Easy Everything Bagel Chicken Breasts are packed with flavor and come together in no time flat.
Finger licking good Southern Fried Chicken.
Another easy recipe to try are these Honey BBQ Chicken Strips from Mom on Timeout.

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