You’ve got chicken tenders and an oven set to 350. Now what? Perfect, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Here’s how long to bake chicken tenders at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chicken tenders, when cooked just right, are a true delight. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in the kitchen.
The key is timing to ensure golden, juicy results every time. And that is where this guide comes in.
With this foolproof recipe, you’re just a few steps away from an incredibly satisfying meal.
The ultimate chicken tenders are just one bake away!
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 in the Oven
It’s all about striking the right balance with temperature.
Bake your chicken tenders too hot, and the batter burns. Too low, and your tenders will not crisp up.
The sweet spot is 20-25 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven.
Remember, oven types and the thickness of your tenders can cause slight variations.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, your chicken is safe to eat.
And you’ll avoid overcooking.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 in an Air Fryer
The air fryer is a fantastic alternative to the oven because it cooks much faster. Plus, it is also a healthy choice because it fries food without oil.
Bake chicken tenders in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flip the tenders over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
And just like baking, you’ll also want to check for the chicken’s internal temperature.
Again, it must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked chicken tenders.
Should Chicken Tenders Be Baked Uncovered?
This is up to you!
Covered chicken tenders will be extra moist. Uncovered, they will be crispier but more prone to drying out.
However, if you follow the recipe, you should be fine. And you can always do a bit of both. Start off covered, but remove the foil during the last 10 minutes.
What Temperature Should Chicken Tenders Be Cooked To?
Your chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best way to tell is to stick a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
How to Tell If Chicken Tenders Are Cooked
Again, using a meat thermometer is the best option. But if you do not have one, look for these signs:
- When sliced, the flesh should be white, not pink.
- Check the juices – they should be clear, not pinkish.
Can You Overcook Chicken Tenders?
Yup, and that is exactly what you want to avoid. It is better to undercook the tenders because you can still remedy the situation. (Don’t eat them.)
Once it’s overcooked, there’s no fixing it!
To prevent overcooking your chicken tenders, keep a close eye on them as they bake. Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark, just to be sure.
Use a meat thermometer and/or the tips I mentioned earlier. Let them cook longer if needed.
When they’re done, remove the tenders from the oven immediately.
How to Keep Chicken Tenders From Drying Out
If you’re worried about chicken tenders drying out, wrap them with aluminum foil.
This will trap the moisture created during baking, keeping the tenders moist.
Tips & Tricks
- Season as you please. Use your choices of seasonings, herbs, and spices to make the most flavorful chicken tenders. I love the combo of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Grease the baking dish. Butter or cooking spray will keep the tenders from sticking.
- Bake at 350. I cannot stress this enough. Baking at this temperature yields tender, juicy, and delicious chicken tenders.
- Place a kitchen thermometer inside the oven. This way, you can tell if your oven is always at the right temperature.
- Check for doneness at 18 minutes. Better safe than sorry!
- Let the chicken tenders rest. Once baked, give them 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the redistribution of the chicken juices.
- Storage instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders can certainly stand solo. But the more the merrier! Stretch out this meal by pairing it with the right sides.
Here are some delectable dishes to serve with baked chicken tenders:
- Classic French Fries: Always a favorite, French fries complement chicken tenders with their crispy texture and satisfying saltiness.
- Savory Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a good idea. Its robust garlic flavor enriches the overall meal experience.
- Smoky Sweet Potato Mash: Sweet potato mash offers a sweet and savory side option. It’s delicious with tenders!
- Fresh-Baked Biscuits: Biscuits provide a soft, buttery contrast to crispy chicken tenders. Enjoy them on the side, or use them to make mini chicken sliders.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: Mac and Cheese and chicken tenders? It’s an iconic duo. Need I say more?
- Homemade Cornbread: Cornbread introduces a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with savory chicken tenders.
- Crunchy Coleslaw: Crisp and tangy, coleslaw brings a refreshing touch to the meal.
- Flavorful Dips: Offer a variety of dips to elevate your chicken tenders. Options could include honey mustard, tangy barbecue, or creamy ranch.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of grilled corn pairs nicely with chicken tenders.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350
Learn how long to bake chicken tenders at 350, and you’ll never get fast food chicken again! Homemade tenders are healthy, tasty, & perfect for your mealtime.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a dish. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Dip one chicken tender at a time into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, covering it completely. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces.
- Once all the chicken tenders are coated and placed on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of oil over them. This will help them achieve a crispy texture in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the tenders are cooked through and golden brown. To ensure they are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade oven-baked chicken tenders! They are delicious alone or paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
