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Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and easy to make. This no-breading approach keeps it healthy while delivering all the deliciousness you crave. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, you won’t want to miss out on this recipe!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chicken base
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). This is an essential step to ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly and become deliciously crispy.
  2. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the chicken tenderloins inside. Pour 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the chicken base over the top. Toss the chicken gently to coat them evenly, ensuring each piece is covered in that flavorful oil and base.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. This spice mix is key to elevating the taste of your chicken tenders.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the coated chicken and toss them again until they’re evenly coated. You want every inch of the tenderloins to have that beautiful seasoning.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165˚F.
  6. Once the chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the oven and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it helps to keep the juices locked inside.
  7. Finally, toss the cooked chicken with the freshly chopped parsley before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness to the dish.

Notes

  • Chicken tenders: Chicken strips work, or you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Note that larger cuts of chicken will take longer to cook.
  • Seasonings: Mix or match any seasonings you like.
  • How to Store: To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store: in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in the freezer up to 6 months.
  • How to Freeze: These chicken tenders freeze well! Allow baked homemade chicken tenders to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
  • How to Reheat: Chicken tenders can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, or cover with foil and place into the oven until warmed through.
  • How to Scale: This recipe is easily scalable. To double the recipe, just double all of the ingredients. However, you will want to use a second baking dish so that the chicken can be spread in a single layer to cook evenly. To cut the recipe in half, just half the quantities and otherwise follow the recipe as written.