Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe
Introduction
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders without breading offer a simple, flavorful alternative for a quick weeknight meal. These juicy tenders are seasoned with a blend of spices and baked to perfection, making them both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
- Step 2: Place the chicken tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the olive oil and chicken base over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken tenders and toss again to coat all pieces uniformly.
- Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Step 5: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Toss with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Swap chicken base for a low-sodium chicken broth powder to reduce salt.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain juiciness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption.
What if I don’t have chicken base?
You can substitute chicken base with an equal amount of chicken bouillon powder or omit it and increase the olive oil slightly for moisture, though the flavor will be milder.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional breaded tenders. Coated with a savory blend of spices and baked to juicy perfection, these chicken tenders are quick to prepare, making them an ideal protein option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2½ pounds chicken tenderloins
Seasoning & Oil
- 1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400˚F (200˚C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil and chicken base over the chicken, then toss to coat the tenders thoroughly with the oil and seasoning base.
- Mix and apply spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, tossing them to ensure every piece is well coated with the flavorful blend.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C), indicating that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and garnish: Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for moist tenders. Finally, toss the chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note and appealing color.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness.
- You can substitute chicken base with chicken broth or bouillon powder if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Serve these chicken tenders with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: oven baked chicken tenders, healthy chicken recipe, no breading chicken, baked chicken tenders, easy chicken dinner
