Prepare healthier oven-baked BBQ chicken tenders using chicken breast fillets cut into strips, coated with a flour, spice, egg, milk, and panko mixture, then baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Use your favorite BBQ sauce and consider marinating the tenders beforehand for enhanced flavor. Aim for a baking time of 25-30 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with adjustments for crispier results.
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our simple yet mouthwatering BBQ chicken tenders baked in the oven recipe. This guide takes you through every step, from gathering the perfect blend of ingredients like tender chicken fillets and zesty BBQ sauce to mastering the art of even baking for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Learn tips for marination, side dishes, storage, and more. Elevate your BBQ game with this delicious oven-baked masterpiece.
- Ingredients and Preparation
- – List of required ingredients
- – Measuring and preparing chicken tenders
- Oven Temperature and Timing
- – Preheating instructions
- – Baking time guidelines
- Marinating the Chicken Tenders
Ingredients and Preparation
For a delicious and healthier twist on traditional BBQ chicken tenders, this oven-baked version is a must-try. The key to its success lies in simple, readily available ingredients that transform into a mouthwatering meal. In this BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe, you’ll need chicken breast fillets, panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Preparation starts with cutting the chicken breasts into tender strips. Next, set up a simple coating station: mix flour, spices, and seasoning in one bowl; whisk together eggs and milk in another; and prepare a third bowl filled with panko breadcrumbs. Each strip of chicken is first coated in flour, then dipped in the egg mixture, and finally pressed into the panko breadcrumbs before baking in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.
– List of required ingredients
To create delicious BBQ chicken tenders baked in the oven, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is an excellent alternative to deep-fried versions, offering a healthier and equally satisfying option for BBQ lovers. Start with high-quality chicken breasts, cut into strips or tenders. For the mouthwatering BBQ sauce, combine tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend of spices and condiments creates a tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor profile that will coat your chicken perfectly. Don’t forget to prepare your bread crumbs by mixing panko or plain breadcrumbs with dried herbs like parsley or thyme for added aroma.
– Measuring and preparing chicken tenders
Preparing the perfect BBQ chicken tenders for an oven-baked recipe is a simple process that ensures juicy, flavorful results. Start by gathering your ingredients: chicken tenders, BBQ sauce, and a few simple seasonings. Next, carefully measure out the desired amount of chicken tenders, typically around 10-12 pieces for a main course. Place them on a clean cutting board and cut each tender into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces if they are larger. This step ensures even cooking and easier eating!
Once your chicken is ready, prepare them by coating them in a simple mixture of oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. This step helps to create a delicious crust and seals in the juices during baking. After seasoning, place the chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this will ensure even browning and prevent them from drying out.
Oven Temperature and Timing
When preparing your BBQ chicken tenders in the oven recipe, the oven temperature and timing play a crucial role in achieving crispy, flavorful results. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly while browning the exterior. For tender, juicy chicken, bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even cooking. Timing may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the tenders, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
– Preheating instructions
Before diving into the delicious world of BBQ chicken tenders baked in the oven, it’s crucial to set your oven in motion. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key for achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior that defines perfectly cooked chicken tenders. Ensure your oven reaches this ideal setting by using an oven thermometer to verify accuracy; consistency is paramount for successful results. Once preheated, prepare your baking sheet with non-stick spray or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Now, you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a symphony of sizzling flavors as the BBQ chicken tenders start their metamorphosis.
– Baking time guidelines
When preparing your BBQ chicken tenders in the oven recipe, understanding the baking time guidelines is key to achieving perfectly cooked, juicy tenders. Typically, for a batch of 2-3 pounds of chicken tenders, plan on baking them at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes. This range ensures that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches the safe minimum of 165°F (74°C), killing any potential bacteria and ensuring your meal is safe to consume.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the tenders. If you’re aiming for crispier tenders, consider increasing the baking time by 2-5 minutes per side after they’ve reached the initial target temperature. This extra step can help develop that delectable, golden-brown crust that enhances the overall flavor and texture of your BBQ chicken tenders in the oven recipe.
Marinating the Chicken Tenders
Marinating is a key step in enhancing the flavor and tenderizing the chicken tenders for your BBQ chicken tenders baked in the oven recipe. It’s simple yet effective; by soaking the meat in a mixture of oils, acids, spices, and herbs, you can transform plain chicken into a mouthwatering delight. For this method, we recommend combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and a blend of dried herbs like paprika, thyme, and oregano. Let the tenders marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. This step is crucial for achieving that robust BBQ taste and ensuring each tender is moist and succulent once baked in the oven.