Cook BBQ chicken tenders in the oven by marinating chicken strips, coating them in a flour mixture, and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a homemade sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Store leftovers safely for up to 2-3 months in airtight containers or freeze for later use.
“Get ready to transform your busy weeknights with these mouthwatering BBQ chicken tenders – a simple yet delicious meal that won’t compromise on flavor. This quick and easy oven recipe is perfect for those with limited time in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful BBQ sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure a hassle-free cooking experience, and serve these tasty tenders with your choice of sides.”
- Simple Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Prepare and Season the Chicken Breasts
- Oven Method for Quick Cooking
- Create a Flavorful BBQ Sauce
- Marinate and Coat the Tenders
- Baking Time and Temperature Guide
- Serve with Your Favorite Sides
- Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Chicken
Simple Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Tenders
Creating delicious BBQ chicken tenders at home is easier than you think, especially with a simple oven recipe. For this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Start with high-quality chicken tenders, ensuring they’re thick and meaty for the best results. Marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with flavor. This simple combination will make your chicken tender and juicy.
Add some chopped onions and bell peppers for extra texture and color. Toss them in with the chicken to create a vibrant side dish that’s sure to impress. The BBQ chicken tenders will be golden and crispy after baking, serving as a satisfying meal for busy nights.
Prepare and Season the Chicken Breasts
To prepare the perfect BBQ chicken tenders for a busy night, start by gathering your ingredients: chicken breasts, a mix of spices (like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper), olive oil, and barbecue sauce. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, seasoning blend, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in enough milk to make a smooth batter. Next, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Coat each tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a baking dish over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Working in batches, add the coated tenders and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the fried tenders to a greased baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding. Brush each tender with barbecue sauce and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
Oven Method for Quick Cooking
For a quick and easy BBQ chicken tender recipe, cooking in the oven is an excellent alternative to grilling. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) sets the stage for perfectly crispy tenders in just 15-20 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken strips on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overlapping, and bake until golden brown and cooked through. This method is incredibly convenient for busy nights when you still want to enjoy delicious homemade BBQ chicken tenders without the hassle of firing up the grill.
The oven’s consistent heat ensures even cooking, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with a delectable crust. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, using your favorite BBQ sauce or spice blend. This quick oven method allows you to serve up a satisfying meal that rivals any take-out option, all while saving time and effort.
Create a Flavorful BBQ Sauce
To elevate your BBQ chicken tenders, crafting a flavorful sauce is key. Start by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisking continuously, let the mixture simmer until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. This base sauce can be adjusted to your taste preferences; feel free to add a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost. Once perfected, set it aside to cool while you prepare the tenders.
For the BBQ chicken tenders in oven recipe, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken strips in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Once the tenders are done, brush each tender generously with your homemade BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece gets a flavorful coat. Serve immediately for a satisfying, quick, and delicious weeknight meal.
Marinate and Coat the Tenders
Before cooking, marinating is a key step that infuses your chicken tenders with mouthwatering flavor. Combine 1/4 cup each of olive oil and BBQ sauce, along with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Place the cut chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring every tender is well-coated. Cover the dish and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for a deeper taste.
After marinating, coat your tenders with a crunchy exterior by dredging them in a mixture of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Shake off any excess flour, ensuring the tenders are evenly coated. This simple step adds texture and flavor, making your BBQ chicken tenders a delectable treat for busy nights.
Baking Time and Temperature Guide
When it comes to baking your BBQ chicken tenders, understanding the right temperature and time is key to achieving that crispy exterior and juicy interior. As a general guide, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and helps create that desirable golden-brown crust. Place your prepared chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overlapping, as this can prevent the heat from circulating properly. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your tenders, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution; undercooked chicken can pose health risks.
Serve with Your Favorite Sides
After cooking your perfectly crispy BBQ chicken tenders in the oven, it’s time to enjoy them! These tender, juicy treats pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to satisfy every taste preference. For a classic pairing, serve with steaming white rice or a fresh green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, crispy potato wedges or baked beans make for delicious companions. Don’t forget about comforting options like mac and cheese or cornbread to round out your meal. Get creative and experiment with different sides to find your favorite combination for these mouthwatering BBQ chicken tenders.
Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Chicken
Storing leftover BBQ chicken tenders is a breeze. Allow the tender pieces to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent foodborne illnesses and maintains freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer periods of 2-3 months. For optimal taste and texture, thaw frozen BBQ chicken tenders in the fridge overnight before reheating them in the oven at a low temperature (around 350°F) until warmed through.
When it comes to reheating, avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the chicken. Reheat in a baking dish with a little extra BBQ sauce for juicy results. Always remember that proper storage and reheating practices are crucial to maintain the quality and safety of your BBQ chicken tenders, especially when preparing them in advance for busy nights using an easy oven recipe like our BBQ chicken tenders in oven guide.