Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders offer a simple, flavorful way to enjoy juicy chicken without the mess of breading. This recipe uses a blend of spices to create a delicious coating that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
2. Step 2: Place the chicken tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the olive oil and chicken base over the chicken, then toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat well.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C).
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Toss with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
• Swap dried thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herb profile.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue for added taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes to retain crispness, or warm gently in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but slice them into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to toss the chicken with parsley after baking?

While optional, tossing with fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

This Oven Baked Chicken Tenders recipe offers a healthy, no-breading alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Coated in a flavorful blend of spices and chicken base, these tenderloins are oven-baked to juicy perfection, making for a simple, delicious, and wholesome meal.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2½ pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chicken base

Spices

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Herbs

• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) to ensure a hot environment for even cooking and a nicely browned surface on the chicken tenders.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the chicken base over the chicken. Toss everything gently to coat each tenderloin evenly with the oil and chicken base mixture.
3. Mix and apply spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the chicken tenders in the baking dish, then toss again to ensure each piece is coated thoroughly with the spices.
4. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F (74˚C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Rest and garnish: Once baked, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Then toss the chicken with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
• You can substitute chicken base with chicken bouillon powder or chicken broth powder if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: oven baked chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, no breading chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders