Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a flavorful blend of spices and butter, baked to juicy perfection in the oven. Perfect as a kid-friendly meal or a tasty dinner option, these chicken tenders are simple to prepare and yield a crispy, seasoned crust without frying. The recipe also includes air fryer instructions for a quicker cooking method.
Ingredients
Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into 1 tablespoon cubes and place them in a shallow dish. Melt the butter by microwaving in 30-second increments until fully melted and ready for coating.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended to create the seasoning mix.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in the melted butter, making sure they are fully coated. Lay the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken tenders for full flavor coverage.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet with the chicken tenders in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer. This ensures your chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for crispy, flavorful chicken tenders.
- Air Fryer Alternative: For quicker cooking, preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F to avoid foodborne illness.
- You may bake at 400°F if short on time, but the tenders may be less tender.
- Store leftover seasoning mix in an airtight container for future use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American