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Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

Delicious and crispy oven baked chicken tenders seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs. Perfectly tender inside with a buttery coating and a hint of spice, these chicken tenders are easy to prepare and great for a family meal or snack. An optional air fryer method is included for a quicker, equally tasty alternative.

Ingredients

Butter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast tenders

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into 1-tablespoon cubes and place them in a shallow microwave-safe dish. Microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  3. Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh parsley, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
  4. Season the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter to coat thoroughly, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken tenders.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
  6. Air Fryer Instructions (Optional): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the butter-coated and seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through and crispy.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon.
  • Ensure chicken tenders are evenly coated in butter for best seasoning adherence.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly based on oven or air fryer models; always check internal temperature to ensure safety.
  • For extra crispy chicken tenders, broil for the last 2-3 minutes in the oven watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.