Baked chicken tenders no breading are the perfect solution when you want juicy, flavorful chicken without all the fuss. I’ve been making this simple recipe for years, and it never fails to deliver restaurant-quality results right from my home oven.
There’s something magical about the aroma that fills my kitchen when these tenders are baking—it reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where simple ingredients always created the most satisfying meals. What makes this recipe truly special is how the homemade seasoning blend creates an incredible crust without any breadcrumbs at all. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the spices infuse every bite with warmth and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading Recipe
After decades of experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve discovered that sometimes the simplest approaches yield the most delicious results. This baked chicken tenders no breading recipe has become a family favorite because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, just like the comfort food traditions I grew up with.
- Quick and effortless preparation with just 10 minutes of hands-on time before the oven does all the work
- No messy breading station required – just toss with oil and seasonings for incredible flavor
- Perfectly tender and juicy every time thanks to the optimal baking temperature and timing
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – even picky eaters love these golden, flavorful tenders
- Versatile serving options that work as finger food, main dishes, or chopped into salads and wraps
- Meal prep champion – these tenders reheat beautifully and stay tender for days
This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly satisfying – it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredient Note List
Chicken Tenders: I always choose fresh, high-quality chicken tenders because they cook evenly and stay incredibly tender in the oven.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while adding moisture and promoting that beautiful golden color during baking.
Paprika: The star of my seasoning blend, paprika gives these baked chicken tenders no breading their gorgeous color and mild, sweet pepper flavor.
Brown Sugar: Don’t skip this ingredient – it creates amazing caramelization and adds a subtle sweetness that balances all the savory spices perfectly.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatics provide deep, savory flavor that penetrates the meat much better than fresh garlic would in this quick-cooking method.
Dried Oregano: I love how oregano adds an earthy, slightly floral note that makes these tenders taste more complex and restaurant-quality.
Cumin: This warm spice brings a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the chipotle powder for depth of flavor.
Chipotle Powder: My secret ingredient for adding just a hint of smoky heat without overwhelming the dish – it’s what makes people ask for the recipe.
Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all the other flavors and ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned throughout.
How to Cook Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading
Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F and lining a baking pan with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels because I’ve learned that removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and promotes better browning.
Step 3. In a medium bowl, I toss the chicken tenders with olive oil until they’re evenly coated – this step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden color.
Step 4. My grandmother always said that mixing spices in a separate bowl first ensures even distribution, so I combine all the seasonings before adding them to the chicken.
Step 5. I sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled chicken and use my hands to rub it in thoroughly – this hands-on approach ensures every piece is perfectly coated.
Step 6. When arranging the tenders on the baking pan, I make sure to leave space between each piece so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Step 7. I’ve found that baking for 15-20 minutes at 400°F gives the perfect balance of juicy interior and golden exterior – always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 8. Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after removing from the oven because this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover baked chicken tenders no breading in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation that could make them soggy.
For longer storage, I recommend placing the cooled tenders in freezer-safe bags or containers where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For best results, I prefer reheating these tenders in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore that lovely exterior texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just heat for 30-40 seconds and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Toss chicken in a medium bowl with olive oil to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, chipotle powder, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle seasoning mix over chicken and rub to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange tenders on baking pan with space between each.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading
Honey Roasted Carrots: The natural sweetness of carrots perfectly complements the savory spices in these tenders, creating a colorful and nutritionally balanced plate that my family always requests.
Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken while adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Nothing beats the classic combination of tender chicken and creamy potatoes – the garlic flavor enhances the overall meal without competing with the chicken’s seasoning.
Simple Garden Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the chicken, making it perfect for lighter dinners.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: These add natural sweetness and a slightly crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken, plus they’re packed with nutrients.
Steamed Broccoli with Butter: The mild flavor and tender-crisp texture of broccoli provides a perfect green vegetable side that even kids will eat alongside their favorite chicken tenders.
FAQs
Each serving of these baked chicken tenders contains approximately 180-200 calories, making them a lean protein option that’s much lighter than traditional breaded and fried versions.
Absolutely! These tenders are high in protein with over 25 grams per serving, low in carbs, and contain no added fats from frying – they’re an excellent choice for healthy meal planning.
Yes, I often slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips when tenders aren’t available – just make sure the pieces are similar in thickness for even cooking.
The most common cause is overcooking, which is why I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature and removing them immediately when they reach that point.
