I prepared a variation of Baking Chicken Tenderloins that blends simplicity with bold flavors. I used 1 lb chicken tenders drizzled in olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with smoked paprika and a hint of lemon juice. This healthy oven dish is my modern twist on a beloved classic.
I recently discovered a way to make chicken tenders that’s full of flavor without any of that heavy breading, and I had to share my recipe with you. Using 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken tenders, 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and a dash of black pepper, this dish comes together so quickly.
I even toss in a little lemon juice for a tang that really brightens everything up and a pinch of dried oregano if you’re feeling extra. I always get asked how long to bake chicken tenders, and this recipe is simple enough that even beginner cooks can nail it.
I learned how to make chicken tenderloins in oven when I was just messing around in my kitchen, and now it’s one of my favorite baked chicken recipes. Give it a try if you’re trying to mix up your chicken recipe in oven collection!
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because its super simple to throw together and it always turns out tasty even when I mess up the measurements a bit.
I really enjoy how the seasoning, like garlic powder and smoked paprika, gives the chicken a bold flavor without being overpowering, and i love that little hit of lemon juice makes the dish feel fresh.
I appreciate that it’s baked in the oven which means i don’t have to deep fry anything so it’s a healthier meal option and less messy in the kitchen.
Also, i like that its flexible—if i feel like adding a pinch of dried oregano or even tweaking the spices a little, i know it still comes out good and satisfying every time.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders are high in protein and low in fat, good for building muscles.
- Olive oil is heart healthy, helpin with cholesterol balance and addin rich flavor.
- Garlic powder gives a savory taste, boostin antioxidants and enhancing overall flavor.
- Smoked paprika adds a mild smoky sweetness, liftin the dish with subtle spice.
- Lemon juice introduces a bright tang that cuts through richness for balanced taste.
- Oregano infuses herby undertones and boosts the aroma, enricing the flavor profile.
- Onion powder provides a sweet savory blend that deepens and rounds out the dish.
- Salt and black pepper enhance flavor, balancing seasonin without overpowering natural tastes.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice for a little tang
- Optional: A pinch of dried oregano if you like extra flavor
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel so they can crisp up when baked.
3. In a large bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken tenders.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
5. If you want a bit of tang, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice now and toss the chicken well.
6. If you like extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano and mix everything until all the tenders are coated.
7. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on your baking sheet, making sure they dont touch.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly.
9. Check that the chicken is cooked through by making sure the inside reaches 165°F.
10. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – you need one to preheat to 400°F and bake the chicken tenders
2. Baking sheet – for cooking the chicken tenders evenly
3. Parchment paper or a way to lightly grease the sheet – prevents sticking
4. Paper towels – to pat the chicken dry
5. Large bowl – for tossing the chicken with oil and spices
6. Measuring spoons – to get the right amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and oregano
7. Spatula or tongs – for flipping the chicken halfway through baking
8. Meat thermometer – to check that the chicken reaches 165°F
9. Timer – to track the cooking time accurately
FAQ
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have olive oil, you can use canola or grapeseed oil instead
- If garlic powder is missing, try using one minced garlic clove (about half a teaspoon) in its place
- If you’re out of smoked paprika, you might mix regular paprika with a pinch of cumin for a similar smoky flavor
- If dried oregano is unavailable, dried basil can work as a substitute
Pro Tips
Try pounding the tenders a little if they seem uneven in thickness so they’ll cook more uniformly. Also, dont overcrowd the pan because if they are too cozy, they wont crisp up nicely.
Keep an instant-read thermometer handy so you can check for that 165°F inside. Ovens can vary a bit and this helps make sure the chicken is safe to eat without overdoing it.
If you want an extra crunch, give them a quick broil during the last minute or two of cooking. Just watch them real close so they dont burn, since they can go from crispy to charred fast.
After baking, let the chicken rest for a couple minutes. This not only keeps them juicy but also helps the flavors settle in before you dig in.
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
I prepared a variation of Baking Chicken Tenderloins that blends simplicity with bold flavors. I used 1 lb chicken tenders drizzled in olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with smoked paprika and a hint of lemon juice. This healthy oven dish is my modern twist on a beloved classic.
4
servings
183
kcal
Equipment: 1. Oven – you need one to preheat to 400°F and bake the chicken tenders
2. Baking sheet – for cooking the chicken tenders evenly
3. Parchment paper or a way to lightly grease the sheet – prevents sticking
4. Paper towels – to pat the chicken dry
5. Large bowl – for tossing the chicken with oil and spices
6. Measuring spoons – to get the right amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and oregano
7. Spatula or tongs – for flipping the chicken halfway through baking
8. Meat thermometer – to check that the chicken reaches 165°F
9. Timer – to track the cooking time accurately
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/4 tsp black pepper
-
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice for a little tang
-
Optional: A pinch of dried oregano if you like extra flavor
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel so they can crisp up when baked.
- In a large bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken tenders.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- If you want a bit of tang, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice now and toss the chicken well.
- If you like extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano and mix everything until all the tenders are coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on your baking sheet, making sure they dont touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through by making sure the inside reaches 165°F.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 150g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 183kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.5g
- Monounsaturated: 2.25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 287mg
- Potassium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 40IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
