Baked Chicken Tenderloins are a perfectly seasoned family-friendly dinner. Juicy, flavorful, golden brown and ready in 30 minutes.
Tender and flavorful chicken tenders make an easy and delicious weeknight Dinner Recipe. They are very similar to classic Baked Chicken Breasts but with smaller, shareable chicken tenders.
Why You’ll Love These Tenderloins?
- A simple blend of pantry spices gives these a bold flavor without breading.
- Because these cook quickly, this is an ideal recipe for when you need dinner fast!
Sabrina’s Baked Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
My Baked Chicken Tenderloin recipe is a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken tenders, since you’re using less oil. However, the healthier version doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing taste. By following these step by step instructions, the chicken still turns out flavorful, juicy, and a little crisp on the outside. Classic sides like Roasted Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Mac and Cheese will round out your dinner wonderfully. I’ve also included an air fryer version below the recipe card for another cooking method.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil spray.
- Coat chicken with the olive oil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano.
- Cook for 20-22 minutes or until chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees.
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note
It’s important to prevent the chicken from drying out by coating each tender in olive oil. Furthermore, tenders cook much faster than chicken breasts, so keep a close eye on them near the end of their cooking time. Pulling them from the oven as soon as they reach 165 degrees will ensure every bite is juicy and tender.
Table of contents
Can this be made ahead of time?
Meal prepping is a great option for easy lunch and dinner recipes. To make this recipe in advance, bake according to the recipe instructions. Let the chicken cool before placing it in an airtight container, and storing it in the fridge or freezer. This is great for adding to soups, salads, sandwiches or reheating to serve as a main dish later in the week.
How to Store
- Serve: Don’t leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you have any leftovers, you can seal the pieces in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place on a baking sheet and cover loosely in foil to keep the meat from drying out. Put it in the oven, preheated to 350 degrees, and heat for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Freeze: Seal in a freezer bag and keep frozen for 3-4 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat to serve.
Air Fryer Cooking Method
Start by spraying your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat the fryer to 390 degrees. Season the chicken, then place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches to not overcrowd the tenders. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Remove the cooked pieces and repeat with the next batch.
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