Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders: These are small strips of chicken breast that cook quickly and stay tender.

BBQ sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that gives the chicken its signature flavor.

Garlic powder: A spice that adds a mild garlic taste without the texture of fresh garlic.

Onion powder: This adds a subtle onion flavor to the chicken.

Paprika: A spice made from ground peppers that adds color and a smoky taste.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken so the sauce sticks and the tenders bake up crispy.

One of the most helpful moves in this Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe is how you coat the chicken tenders with the bbq sauce mixture. Getting this step right makes a big difference in how tasty and juicy your chicken turns out. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. First, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders. This helps the sauce stick better and keeps the meat moist while baking.
2. Next, dip each piece into the bowl with the bbq sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure to turn the chicken so it’s covered on all sides.
3. Let any extra sauce drip off before placing the tenders on the baking sheet. This way, the sauce won’t pool and get soggy.

Doing this coating step carefully means every bite will have a nice balance of flavor and a little crispiness on the outside. If you skip the olive oil, the sauce might not stick as well, and the chicken could dry out a bit.

When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t use the olive oil and ended up with some dry spots on my tenders. After adding that step, the chicken came out juicy and full of flavor every time. Also, I like to use a fork or tongs to dip the tenders so my hands don’t get too sticky, which makes the whole process less messy and more fun.

This little trick makes the baking step smoother and gives you that perfect mix of tender meat and tasty, slightly crispy coating. It’s a simple step that really pays off!

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and can be used in the same way as chicken tenders.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a different but equally delicious flavor profile, adding a sweet and savory taste.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor and add a bit of texture to the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and a similar smoky flavor to the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative to olive oil.

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the chicken tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

• To reheat refrigerated chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• For frozen chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tenders directly from the freezer for 20-25 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken tenders in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• Avoid microwaving the chicken tenders as it can make the coating soggy and the chicken rubbery.

• Serve reheated chicken tenders with extra bbq sauce on the side for dipping, or pair them with a fresh salad or vegetable side dish for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the tenders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For an extra crispy finish, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and the coating is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and warmth before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken tenders at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the bbq sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the coated chicken tenders for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the correct amount of bbq sauce.

• Basting brush: Helps in coating the chicken tenders evenly with olive oil and the bbq sauce mixture.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the chicken tenders without making a mess.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the hot, baked chicken tenders.

• Knife: If needed, to trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenders before cooking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the bbq sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika ahead of time.

Use pre-cut chicken tenders: Save time by buying chicken tenders that are already cut and ready to use.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper: This makes cleanup quick and easy.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping the chicken.

Mix sauce in a large bowl: Use a large bowl to easily coat the chicken tenders without making a mess.