Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders: Tender cuts of chicken that are perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors.

Bbq sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds a rich flavor to the chicken.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor to the dish.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

To ensure your chicken tenders are evenly coated with the bbq sauce, use a ziplock bag instead of a mixing bowl. Place the chicken tenders and sauce mixture in the bag, seal it, and then massage the bag to distribute the sauce evenly. This method also makes for an easy cleanup.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey tenders: Turkey tenders have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as chicken tenders.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be marinated and baked to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken tenders.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements baked tenders well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet alternative to BBQ sauce.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good alternative to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a subtle onion-like flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a bit of heat and complexity, making it a good alternative to paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt adds a unique flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick, so use it sparingly as a substitute for black pepper.

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the chicken tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For a quicker option, you can also reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the tenders loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through and the coating is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to ensure the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tenders on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the coating.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken tenders at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the bbq sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper with the chicken tenders.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the coated chicken tenders for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken tenders to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.

• Basting brush: Optional tool for applying extra bbq sauce to the chicken tenders before serving.

• Serving platter: Used to present the baked chicken tenders attractively when serving.

Pre-marinating: Marinate the chicken tenders in the bbq sauce mixture the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a baking rack: Place the chicken tenders on a baking rack over the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness without needing to flip them.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the chicken tenders for a quick meal later.

Pre-measured spices: Pre-measure and mix the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in advance to streamline the preparation process.