Create healthy, crispy BBQ chicken tenders in the oven with this simple recipe. Preheat your oven, prepare chicken strips marinated in BBQ sauce, and bake until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Alternatively, coat chicken in a flour mixture and bake with a homemade BBQ sauce made from ketchup, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Serve with fresh salads, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or garlic bread for a balanced, kid-friendly lunch centered around a delicious oven-baked BBQ chicken tender recipe.
Looking for a delicious and kid-friendly lunch option? This simple and tasty BBQ chicken tenders recipe is perfect for a family-oriented meal. With a focus on ease and flavor, we guide you through preparing and cooking these golden, crispy treats in your oven. From gathering the right ingredients to serving suggestions, this step-by-step guide ensures a satisfying BBQ chicken tenders lunch that everyone will love. Try it out and enjoy!
- Ingredients for a Kid-Approved BBQ Chicken Tender Lunch
- Setting Up the Oven and Preheating It to the Right Temperature
- Preparing and Marinating the Chicken Tenders
- Cooking the BBQ Chicken Tenders Step by Step
- Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes for a Delicious Lunch
Ingredients for a Kid-Approved BBQ Chicken Tender Lunch
When it comes to creating a kid-approved lunch, BBQ chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser that offer both flavor and convenience. For a healthy twist on this classic favorite, an oven-baked version is the ideal choice. This method eliminates excess grease associated with deep-frying, making it a safer and more nutritious option for little ones.
The key ingredients for these delicious BBQ chicken tenders include boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ sauce. This simple combination results in tender, juicy chicken that kids will love. Simply coat the chicken strips in a brush of egg and milk mixture, then dip them into the seasoned breadcrumbs before baking until golden brown and crispy. Serve with an array of fresh vegetables or a side salad to complete this balanced and satisfying kid-friendly lunch.
Setting Up the Oven and Preheating It to the Right Temperature
When preparing BBQ chicken tenders for lunch, setting up your oven and preheating it to the right temperature is a crucial first step in your BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures even cooking of the chicken tenders without burning them. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which will help in even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
Once your oven is preheated, allow it to reach its steady state. Preheating properly ensures that when you place the chicken tenders in the oven, they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy, juicy BBQ chicken tenders ready for your family’s lunch.
Preparing and Marinating the Chicken Tenders
To create delicious and kid-friendly BBQ chicken tenders, start by preparing the chicken pieces for a tasty oven-baked treat. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into tender strips, ensuring each piece is uniform in size for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Allow the chicken strips to soak in this mixture for 30 minutes to an hour, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for extra flavor infusion. This simple step ensures that each tender is juicy and packed with delicious BBQ taste.
After marinating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overlapping. Brush any remaining marinade over the tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method results in crispy, golden tenders that are perfect for little ones to enjoy at lunch time.
Cooking the BBQ Chicken Tenders Step by Step
To create delicious and kid-friendly BBQ chicken tenders for lunch, follow this simple step-by-step guide using an oven recipe. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until well combined. Whisk in 2 eggs and stir until smooth. For the BBQ sauce, combine 1 cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it thicken slightly.
Next, place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour and arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the BBQ sauce over each tender, making sure they’re thoroughly coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce caramelizes to a golden hue. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with your favorite sides like macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes for a Delicious Lunch
When serving BBQ chicken tenders for lunch, consider a balanced meal that includes a variety of side dishes to cater to different tastes and textures. Pair the crispy tender chunks with some fresh salads like coleslaw or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. This not only adds crunch but also ensures a nutritional balance. For an extra touch of flavor and color, add roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. These sides complement the savory BBQ chicken without overwhelming it with strong flavors.
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your BBQ chicken tenders alongside starchy options like mashed potatoes or steamed rice. This combination is both comforting and filling, perfect for young palates. Don’t forget about bread! A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette can be a great addition, allowing kids to soak up extra sauce. Using an oven-baked BBQ chicken tender recipe ensures that the meal is not only kid-friendly but also convenient, making it easier to prepare a delicious and balanced lunch for your family.