Delicious Crispy Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders!!

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge on a busy weeknight, dreaming of a healthy, delicious meal that practically cooks itself? We’ve all been there! The good news is, your dinner dilemma just met its match. Say hello to your new weeknight superstar: the truly Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders recipe that’s about to revolutionize your meal game. Forget greasy take-out or complicated culinary adventures. We’re talking maximum flavor, minimal effort, and a clean-up so easy you’ll wonder if you even cooked at all!

These aren’t just any chicken tenders; they’re perfectly seasoned, wonderfully juicy, and baked to golden perfection right in your own oven. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’re about to discover the magic of truly effortless cooking. Get ready to impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless & Quick Dinner Solution

  With a mere 10 minutes of prep and a 15-minute bake time, these Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those hectic evenings when time is precious but you still want a wholesome, homemade meal on the table.

• Healthy & Wholesome Goodness

  Packed with lean protein (25g per serving!) and boasting low carbs (just 1g net carb!), this recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone focusing on a balanced, healthy diet. It’s naturally gluten-free thanks to tamari, making it a crowd-pleaser for various dietary needs.

• Flavor-Packed Simplicity

  You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to create incredible flavor. Our blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tamari infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic punch that everyone will adore. Simple ingredients, sensational taste – that’s the secret to these Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders!

• Versatile & Meal Prep Friendly

  These tenders are a chameleon in the kitchen! Serve them hot with your favorite sides, slice them into salads, or tuck them into wraps. Plus, they’re fantastic for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making healthy eating convenient all week long.

Ingredients for Your Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal:

• 🐔 1 pound chicken breast tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 🥑 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any healthy cooking oil you prefer)
• 🍶 2 tablespoons tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative)
• 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Detailed Directions: Making Your Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender and flavorful chicken every time:

1. Prep Your Oven: First things first, get your oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet. No need to grease it; the chicken will release enough natural juices to prevent sticking.
2. Season & Marinate: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your chicken tenders with the avocado oil, tamari, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss to ensure each tender is evenly coated with that delicious marinade. Let them sit and soak up all those yummy flavors while your oven reaches temperature. This brief resting period makes a big difference!
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Once marinated, carefully arrange your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer on your ungreased baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this helps them bake evenly and ensures a beautiful golden finish.
4. Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The key to perfectly juicy chicken is knowing when it’s done. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the tenders, so keep an eye on them!
5. Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, remove your delicious Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders from the oven and serve them warm with your favorite healthy sides or a light dipping sauce. Get ready for a chorus of “Mmm!”s at your dinner table!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Tenders

These Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be the star of many different meals! Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

• Classic Comfort: Serve them alongside roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans for a wholesome and satisfying meal. A dollop of homemade honey mustard or a light ranch dip makes them extra special.
• Salad Topper Extraordinaire: Slice the cooled tenders and add them to a vibrant Cobb salad, a fresh Caesar, or a hearty mixed green salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
• Wrap & Sandwich Fillers: Shred or slice the tenders and tuck them into whole wheat tortillas with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a quick wrap, or layer them in a sandwich with avocado and lettuce.
• Stir-Fry & Rice Bowl Upgrade: Dice the tenders and toss them into your favorite vegetable stir-fry, or arrange them atop a brown rice bowl with a medley of colorful roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Kid-Friendly Dippers: Kids (and adults!) love dipping! Offer a variety of healthy dipping sauces like sugar-free BBQ sauce, a Greek yogurt-based ranch, or even a simple squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick.

Storing Your Leftovers & Shelf Life

One of the best things about these Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders is how well they keep, making them ideal for meal prep! Once cooked and cooled, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can gently reheat them in the microwave, a toaster oven, or even a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through. They’re just as tasty the next day!

FAQs About Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

   Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.

2. What if I don’t have tamari? Can I use regular soy sauce?

   Absolutely! Regular soy sauce works perfectly if you don’t need a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos are another great gluten-free, soy-free alternative.
3. How can I make these tenders spicier?

   For a kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

4. Can I air fry these chicken tenders instead?

   Yes! Air frying is a fantastic option. Arrange the marinated tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden.

5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers to keep them from drying out?

   For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. A microwave is quicker but can sometimes dry them out; use short bursts and check frequently.
6. Can I marinate the chicken longer than recommended?

   You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor, but even 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats is enough for a delicious result.

7. Are chicken tenders the same as chicken breasts?

   Chicken tenders (or tenderloins) are a specific cut of meat found underneath the chicken breast. They are naturally smaller and more tender, hence the name!

8. My chicken turned out a bit dry. What did I do wrong?

   Overcooking is the most common culprit for dry chicken. Always use a meat thermometer and remove the tenders as soon as they hit 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd or more meal prep?

   Certainly! Just be sure to use a larger baking sheet or two sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly.

10. What’s the calorie count per serving for this recipe?

    Each serving of these delicious Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders contains approximately 189 kcal, making them a light yet satisfying option!