Dinner

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Name: Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490122H1M17S
Total time: PT-490122H1M17S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 pound chicken breast tenders; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; Pinch of salt and pepper

BySana Jeannette November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

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Introduction

Oven baked chicken tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Tender chicken coated in a buttery, spiced seasoning bakes to juicy perfection with a tender crust. This recipe delivers a delicious, homemade alternative to fried tenders without the extra oil.

A dish shows six pieces of grilled chicken breast with a golden brown, slightly crispy texture seasoned with herbs, stacked close together on the right side of a white plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small pile of mixed green leafy salad with different shades of green and purple, some leaves with a smooth texture and others with a leafy texture. A few sprigs of fresh parsley are scattered on top of the chicken pieces. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a clear glass of water in the top right corner and a metal fork beside the plate on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 pound chicken breast tenders

1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter by slicing it into 1 tablespoon cubes and microwaving in 30-second increments until fully melted. Place the melted butter in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350° F.

Step 3: In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh parsley, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter, ensuring it is well-coated, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken tenders.

Step 6: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. For extra color, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Step 7 (Optional): For air fryer cooking, preheat the air fryer to 375° F. Place the butter-coated and seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Tips & Variations

To add a crispy texture, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the seasoned tenders before baking.

Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level, or omit it for a milder flavor.
Use dried parsley in place of fresh if needed, but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce for added flavor.

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 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tenders soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds five pieces of golden brown grilled chicken breasts, each coated with a slightly crispy and spicy seasoning, giving them a warm reddish-orange color with scattered green parsley leaves on top. One chicken piece is held above the plate by a woman's hand, showing its juicy white inside with a hint of browning from the spices. Fresh green salad leaves sit in the top left corner of the plate, adding a fresh contrast to the rich chicken. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a glass of water softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken tenders before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165° F. The chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear.