When people crave comfort food, they love a plate of soft and tasty baked BBQ chicken tenders. People who enjoy tasty barbecue flavors will love baked BBQ chicken tenders recipe. This guide will teach you how to make delicious chicken tenders that are healthier than fried chicken tenders. The guide has easy steps you can follow to make juicy baked BBQ chicken tenders.
Why choose baked over fried?
Baked chicken tenders are better than fried ones. Baking chicken avoids using too much oil. This makes baked chicken healthier. Baking lowers calories and unhealthy fats in your meal. Also, baking keeps the chicken tender and juicy inside. Fried chicken can get dry and overcooked. But baked chicken stays moist and tasty with every bite.
So baking is the way to go. It keeps the chicken’s natural flavors and moisture. You don’t need lots of oil to make baked chicken delicious. Baking is an easy cooking method too. It’s a simple way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken without extra unhealthy fats.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 175 | |
| Total Fat | 3g | 4% |
| – Saturated Fat | 1g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1340mg | 58% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g | 4% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0g | 1% |
| – Total Sugars | 5g | |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 265mg | 6% |
Homemade BBQ sauce recipe
A tasty BBQ chicken dish needs a yummy homemade sauce. Making your own sauce lets you pick your flavors. You also use good ingredients. Here is an easy recipe for you:
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- ⅓ cup barbeque sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s® Hickory & Brown Sugar)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Asian-flavored barbeque seasoning (such as Savory Spice® Asian Delight BBQ Rub)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Directions
Preheat the Oven: The oven needs to be hot at 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup after cooking.
Prepare the Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders must be dried with paper towels. This helps the breading stick properly to the chicken.
Make the Chicken Tasty: Take a bowl. Put your favorite barbecue sauce in it. Add some olive oil or melted butter. Mix them together. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken tenders. You can also add garlic powder or paprika for more flavor.
Cover the Chicken**: Take each tender. Dip it in the barbecue sauce mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. Let any extra sauce drip off. Then put it on the baking sheet you prepared.
Bake the Chicken: Put the breaded chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each tender. Bake the tenders in the hot oven. Bake for around 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked all the way through. The breading should turn a golden brown color. The breading should also become crispy.
Serving suggestions and side dishes
After the chicken tenders come out of the oven, let them cool down for a bit before eating. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top. Serve the tenders with extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Good sides are coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
Variations and substitutions for the recipe
Are you tired of the same old baked BBQ chicken tenders? Try something new! You can change up the recipe to fit your taste or diet. Here are some ideas:
Want heat? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or BBQ sauce. It’ll give a spicy kick.
Love sweet and tangy? Make a honey mustard sauce instead of using BBQ sauce. It’s a tasty twist!
Eastern Delight: Instead of classic BBQ sauce, try a teriyaki glaze. It gives an Asian flair. Or use a sweet and sour sauce for something different.
No Gluten Here: For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Or crush gluten-free cereal instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Get creative! Add your favorite herbs and spices. Mix in other fun ingredients too.
The Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Final Thoughts
Baked BBQ chicken tenders are an easy and tasty meal. It will make you feel good and happy. Baking makes them healthier than frying. A good marinade and breading helps. Baking the right way makes chicken tenders juicy and tender. You will love how they taste every time.
Do you want a tasty meal? Try making baked BBQ chicken tenders. You can mix different BBQ sauces and serve them with your favorite side dishes. These chicken tenders are good for family gatherings or a yummy homemade meal. Just get the ingredients ready and follow the steps. Your taste buds will love this twist on a classic dish.
Now it’s your turn to make delicious baked BBQ chicken tenders. Have fun making them!
FAQ,s
How long it takes to do BBQ chicken tenders?
Cooking BBQ chicken tenders needs some time. It takes around ten to fifteen minutes on a hot grill. Cook for about five to seven minutes on each side. Keep cooking until the inside temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Grilling time can vary. Some tenders may take longer or less time to cook fully. Check for doneness by cutting into one or using a meat thermometer. Well-cooked tenders have no pink inside
what temperature to grill chicken tenders?
Grill chicken tenders at a medium-high temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C).