Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make dish with these baked BBQ chicken tenders. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these tenders are packed with flavor and have a delightful crispy coating.
If you don't already have paprika in your spice cabinet, it's worth picking up at the supermarket. This spice adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the dish. Additionally, make sure you have a good quality bbq sauce on hand, as it will be the primary flavoring for the chicken tenders.
Ingredients For Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders: These are the main protein for the dish, tender and quick to cook.
BBQ sauce: Provides the primary flavor and a sticky coating for the chicken.
Garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild onion flavor.
Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds moisture.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before coating them with olive oil. This will help the bbq sauce mixture adhere better and create a more even, crispy coating. Additionally, flipping the tenders halfway through baking can promote even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
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.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the tenders with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
- For an extra crispy finish, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Microwave Method:
- Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.
Skillet Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and the coating is crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check for desired crispiness and warmth before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Coat the chicken tenders with olive oil, then dip them into the BBQ sauce mixture until well coated.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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