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Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe


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4.3 from 83 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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