Create mouthwatering oven-baked BBQ chicken tenders with a simple blend of spices and your preferred BBQ sauce. Marinate chicken strips for enhanced flavor and tenderness, then bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauces for a juicy, versatile BBQ dish. This recipe yields delicious, perfectly cooked BBQ chicken tenders ready for any occasion.
Looking for a juicy, crispy way to enjoy BBQ chicken strips without the fryer? This oven-baked version is a game-changer! Our step-by-step guide takes you from prep to perfect tenders, dripping with homemade BBQ sauce. Learn how to choose the best chicken, master the baking technique for even crisping, and discover delicious dipping sauces to elevate your meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a quick weeknight dinner, this oven recipe for BBQ chicken tenders is sure to satisfy.
- Ingredients and Preparation
- – List of required ingredients with measurements
- – Tips on choosing the right chicken strips and preparing them for baking
- Oven Method for BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients and Preparation
To create delicious oven-baked BBQ chicken tenders perfect for dipping, gather the following ingredients: high-quality chicken strips, a simple marinade consisting of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Before baking, prepare the chicken by coating each strip in the flavorful marinade, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. This step amplifies the BBQ taste and tenderizes the meat.
Once marinated, place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing space between each tender for even cooking. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. During baking, brush each strip with BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. After baking, let the tenders rest briefly before serving to ensure they remain juicy and flavorful.
– List of required ingredients with measurements
To create mouth-watering oven-baked BBQ chicken strips perfect for dipping, gather the following ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. For an extra tangy kick, consider adding 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ rub or spice mix. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this marinade until they are evenly coated. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t crowded together, as this will ensure even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a crispier texture, broil the strips for an additional 2-3 minutes during the final minutes of baking.
– Tips on choosing the right chicken strips and preparing them for baking
When it comes to selecting the ideal chicken strips for your oven-baked BBQ delight, look for tender, lean cuts like breast or thigh meat. Opt for strips that are about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture. Freshness is key; choose chicken that’s displayed in the refrigerator section and check for any signs of ice crystals, which may indicate it’s been frozen and thawed. Before baking, prepare your chicken by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Next, season both sides generously with salt and pepper or your favorite BBQ rub to enhance the flavor. You can also marinate the strips beforehand in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an extra burst of taste.
Oven Method for BBQ Chicken Tenders
Baking BBQ chicken strips in the oven is a simple and delicious alternative to grilling. For this method, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place your chicken tenders on the prepared sheet, brush them generously with BBQ sauce, and season with salt and pepper as desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. The tender meat will absorb the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering treat perfect for dipping.
This oven method offers control over cooking time and temperature, ensuring your chicken strips turn out juicy every time. While traditional grilling lends itself to that signature charred exterior, baking allows for even cooking and is particularly convenient when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Once baked, serve the tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and versatile BBQ dish.