Selecting high-quality, thin organic or free-range chicken breasts is key for a delicious BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe. Create a flavorful marinade with olive oil, barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, onion, and lemon juice. Marinate the tenders (30 mins – 4 hrs), preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), toss coated tenders in BBQ sauce before baking for 20-25 minutes until crispy and juicy. Rest the tenders, drizzle on preferred BBQ sauce, and serve immediately for a mouthwatering sweet & savory dish.
Looking for a delicious, easy way to make BBQ chicken tenders? This simple oven recipe will have your family craving more! Start by choosing your favorite chicken cutlets and prepping a mouthwatering marinade with just a few ingredients. After marinating, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet, bake until golden brown, and serve with your go-to BBQ sauce. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights!
- Choose Your Chicken Cutlets
- Prepare Marinade Ingredients
- Mix and Marinate the Chicken
- Preheat Oven to Perfect Temperature
- Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet
- Bake Until Golden Brown
- Serve with Favorite BBQ Sauce
Choose Your Chicken Cutlets
When it comes to BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe, the first step begins with selecting the right cutlets. Opt for thin, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts as they are the ideal choice for tender, juicy results. Look for cuts that are around 1/2 inch thick, ensuring even cooking and a delightful crunch from the exterior while keeping the insides moist and flavorful.
Consider choosing organic or free-range chicken for an extra layer of quality and taste. Avoid pre-cut tenders as they often contain added preservatives and fillers, opting instead for whole cutlets that you can trim and shape to your preference. This simple choice makes a significant difference in the final dish, offering a healthier and more satisfying BBQ chicken tenders in oven experience.
Prepare Marinade Ingredients
To begin crafting your perfect BBQ chicken tenders in the oven, the first step is to prepare a flavorful marinade. Start by combining 1/4 cup each of olive oil and barbecue sauce in a shallow dish. Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a touch of sweetness and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for extra umami. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, garlic powder, and paprika, creating a fragrant blend that will penetrate the chicken. Finely chop 1 small onion and mix it in, along with the juice of half a lemon, which adds brightness to the marinade. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated for a balanced, mouthwatering sauce.
Mix and Marinate the Chicken
To create juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken tenders in the oven, start by mixing your marinade ingredients. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
Once marinated, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Brush any remaining marinade over the top of each tender for an extra layer of flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Preheat Oven to Perfect Temperature
To start preparing your BBQ chicken tenders in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key to achieving crispy, golden brown chicken tenders. The high heat ensures that the exterior of the chicken cooks quickly, sealing in the juices and creating a delightful crunch. While you wait for the oven to reach the perfect temperature, gather your ingredients and marinate your chicken if desired. A quick preheat allows you to maintain this ideal cooking range, resulting in tender, flavorful BBQ chicken tenders every time.
Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet
When preparing your BBQ chicken tenders for the oven, the first step is to arrange them neatly on a baking sheet. Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken tenders in an even layer on the sheet, ensuring they are not crowded together. This allows for even cooking and prevents the juices from getting trapped, resulting in crispy, delicious BBQ chicken tenders.
Gently toss the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce or marinade to ensure every piece is coated evenly. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce or make a homemade version for a more personalized flavor. Remember, proper spacing is key; this technique will help you achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior when baked in the oven.
Bake Until Golden Brown
The key to achieving crispy, golden BBQ chicken tenders in the oven lies in understanding the baking process. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Baking time varies based on thickness, but typically ranges from 20 to 25 minutes. For those tender, juicy bites with a perfect crispy exterior, keep an eye on them. The moment they turn a rich golden brown, remove them from the oven. This crucial step ensures that the chicken is fully cooked while maintaining its moistness.
Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow any excess moisture to redistribute. This simple technique for BBQ chicken tenders in the oven delivers a delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, all while keeping your kitchen free from grease and mess.
Serve with Favorite BBQ Sauce
Enhance your BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra kick of flavor. After baking, allow the tender meat to rest for a few minutes before brushing on the sauce. This simple step ensures that the sauce adheres perfectly to each tender, creating a mouthwatering glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory combination that has everyone craving more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of BBQ sauces to find your perfect match.