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Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Oven baked chicken tenders are flavored with paprika, garlic, parsley, and a touch of brown sugar, then baked until juicy and golden. Coated in melted unsalted butter and a savory seasoning blend, these tenders stay moist and flavorful with minimal effort. The key is to bake in a single layer for even cooking and use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness. Ready in half an hour, they're perfect for a quick, satisfying main dish. Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley and your favorite sides for a comforting family meal.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Fri, 30 May 2025 21:17:34 GMT
A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. Bookmark
A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. | foodbymary.com

Oven baked chicken tenders make an easy and crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that saves you tons of time and uses simple pantry spices for bold flavor. The best part is you do not need to fuss with bread crumbs or frying. Just buttery, perfectly seasoned strips that always disappear fast at my dinner table.

I started making these on nights I could not handle more dishes and now they are requested again and again my family swears it is because of “the secret butter bath”

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: brings a rich flavor and helps the seasonings stick choose a high quality or European style for best results
  • Chicken breast tenders: are naturally tender and quick cooking look for fresh ones with no added water or use chicken breasts cut into strips
  • Paprika: adds gentle warmth and color smoke paprika if you like a deeper taste
  • Garlic powder: for a savory boost always check yours is fresh for the strongest flavor
  • Onion powder: brings balancing sweet notes and binds flavors together
  • Fresh parsley: adds freshness and a mild herbal note pick vibrant green bunches
  • Dried oregano: gives a subtle Italian note choose from a new bottle for the strongest aroma
  • Cayenne pepper: just a pinch kicks up the flavor without too much heat
  • Brown sugar: a tiny bit for balance because it helps caramelize and brown the chicken
  • Salt and pepper: the classic must for seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350 F and make sure the rack is in the center position for even cooking
Melt the Butter:
Slice the butter and put it in a shallow dish Microwave at 30 second intervals until fully melted It should be liquid but not sizzling
Mix the Seasonings:
In a small bowl combine all the spices and herbs Stir well so you get an even blend Every pinch counts for balanced seasoning
Dredge and Arrange the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter Make sure both sides are thoroughly coated Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they roast not steam
Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of each chicken tender Press in the seasoning gently for maximum coverage
Bake until Tender:
Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes Until the internal temperature reads 165 F and juices run clear The chicken should be golden with little pools of seasoned butter
Garnish and Serve:
Scatter with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve hot
A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. Bookmark
A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. | foodbymary.com

Storage Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge They will last for up to three days Gently reheat in a low oven or air fryer to keep them crisp and juicy Avoid the microwave for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh parsley you can use extra dried oregano in a pinch Smoked paprika works just as well for regular paprika Lemon zest can add brightness in place of parsley or even a little dried thyme can give a new spin

A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. Bookmark
A plate of oven baked chicken tenders. | foodbymary.com

Serving Suggestions

These chicken tenders pair well with a chopped salad steamed veggies or classic mashed potatoes My kids love them dipped in honey mustard or ranch sauce When I host friends I cut them smaller and call them party bites

Cultural and Historical Context

Baked chicken tenders offer modern flavor but got their roots from old Southern chicken recipes which rely on spice blends and butter The baked twist is cleaner easier and just as nostalgic

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep baked chicken tenders juicy?

Dredging the chicken in melted butter locks in moisture, while baking at 350°F ensures gentle, even cooking.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, substitute 2 teaspoons dried parsley if fresh isn't available, though fresh gives a brighter flavor.

→ How do I know when chicken tenders are done?

Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F for safe, tender results.

→ Can I make these tenders in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for 5–6 minutes per side. This method yields a crispier finish with less cook time.

→ Should I flip the chicken tenders during baking?

Flipping halfway through baking is optional, but it helps achieve an even golden exterior on both sides.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool tenders completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Golden chicken tenders baked with herbed butter—crispy, juicy, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 Serving Size (Serves 4 people)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast tenders
Ingredient 02 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter

→ Seasoning Blend

Ingredient 03 1 tablespoon paprika
Ingredient 04 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 06 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Ingredient 08 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Ingredient 09 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Ingredient 10 Pinch of salt
Ingredient 11 Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized cubes and transfer to a shallow dish. Melt the butter in the microwave using 30-second intervals until fully liquefied.

Step 02

In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh parsley, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.

Step 03

Dredge each chicken tender in the melted butter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Arrange tenders in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken tender.

Step 04

Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C. Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Step 05

Preheat air fryer to 190°C. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. For optimal safety and juiciness, verify chicken doneness with an instant-read thermometer; chicken is considered safe to eat at 74°C. Avoid undercooking to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
  2. Leftover seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for future use.
  3. If pressed for time, you can increase oven temperature to 200°C for a quicker cook, though tenders may become less moist.

Must-Have Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microwave-safe shallow dish
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Air fryer (for alternative method)

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 351
  • Fats: 26 grams
  • Carbs: 4 grams
  • Proteins: 25 grams