Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (Juicy, Easy, Never Dry) Recipe
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders that are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. These chicken tenders are marinated with avocado oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then baked until perfectly tender and never dry. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders (about 8-10)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet. There’s no need to grease the baking sheet as the oil in the marinade will prevent sticking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tenders with avocado oil, soy sauce (or tamari), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate while the oven heats to absorb all the flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read meat thermometer. If tendons are removed and the tenders split, check them earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Serve and Store: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer for best results to ensure chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- You can swap avocado oil with any neutral oil like olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Chicken tenders can be paired with a variety of sides such as salads, roasted vegetables, or fries.
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor, up to 2 hours in the fridge.
