Finger Lickin Good Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders My Finger Lickin Good Recipe

By SandraJune 27, 2025

Craving Baked BBQ chicken tenders This easy ovenbaked recipe delivers juicy crispy chicken with a sticky BBQ glaze A guaranteed family favorite Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy Recipes

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Ever have one of those days where you just crave something easy, comforting, and totally satisfying? That's when these Baked BBQ chicken tenders come to the rescue! Honestly, who can resist juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs and slathered in that sweet and smoky BBQ goodness?

What Makes These Tenders So Good?

These BBQ chicken tenders are a healthier take on the classic restaurant favorite. We're ditching the deep fryer for the oven! This chicken tender recipe makes them crispy baked chicken tenders .

They are inspired by American BBQ, they bring that summery barbecue flavour indoors.

This recipe is super easy. It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. It is a great easy chicken dinner option. This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of BBQ without all the added fat. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or even a casual get-together with friends.

Plus, these homemade BBQ chicken tenders are totally customisable – you can use your favourite BBQ sauce and breadcrumb combinations! It makes a great healthy BBQ chicken option.

You know?

Ready to get cooking? Let's move on to the ingredients. I use the panko crusted chicken tenders to make them super crispy.

A Story Behind the Recipe

Honestly, this recipe came about because I was trying to replicate my favourite restaurant appetizer, but without the guilt. My kids absolutely love them and they have never once guessed that they are baked instead of fried.

This oven baked chicken recipe has become a family favorite. So, if you are on the hunt for chicken strips , then look no further!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready!

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our baked BBQ chicken tenders . Trust me; this chicken tender recipe is a winner. It’s the easy chicken dinner you've been searching for.

Main Ingredients for the Best BBQ Chicken Strips

Here's what you need. It is all about the quality, innit?

1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken tenders: Fresh is best!. Look for plump, pink tenders. Avoid any with a funny smell. You know?
1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce: Use your favourite brand. Seriously!. This makes all the difference for that healthy BBQ chicken .
1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs: I love panko for that crispy baked chicken tenders texture.
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but yummy.
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray: Important for oven baked chicken crispiness.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Central

These spices are the backbone. Garlic powder and smoked paprika bring the magic. A touch of salt and pepper is essential.

Honestly, simple is best sometimes. It lets that BBQ chicken tenders flavor shine. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular will do.

It won't be quite the same, but still tasty.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Don't stress about fancy gear for this homemade BBQ chicken tenders .

Baking sheet: Any old one will do.
Parchment paper or foil: For easy cleanup, yeah?
Shallow bowls: For breading the chicken.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) .

If you don't have parchment paper, foil works fine. A plate can substitute for a shallow bowl. Just get creative. This panko crusted chicken tenders recipe is forgiving.

Alright, let's talk Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders . Everyone loves chicken tenders. Honestly, this chicken tender recipe is a winner. It's so simple, even I can't mess it up.

You know? And it's way healthier than the fried stuff. It is the perfect easy chicken dinner .

Finger Lickin Good Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders presentation

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Getting organized is key. Essential mise en place means having everything ready. Chop, measure, and prep before you start cooking.

You will thank me later for this. It can save you loads of time. I will share a secret. I sometimes prep the breading the night before.

From Zero to Hero: The Step-by-Step Dance

Let's break down how to make these crispy baked chicken tenders .

Heat oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line baking sheet, give it a spray.
Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken tender in BBQ sauce. Then dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
Place tenders on baking sheet. Make sure to space evenly. Lightly spray tops.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. Internal temp should hit 165° F ( 74° C) . If you want a saucier finish, brush some extra BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes .
Garnish your yummy chicken strips and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Level Up Your BBQ Chicken Game: Pro Tips

Wanna make these homemade BBQ chicken tenders extra special? I'll give you the lowdown.

Panko is your friend. Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch! You know, crispy goodness. I always use panko.
Don't overcrowd the pan. Space those tenders out for even cooking. Seriously, it makes a difference.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Under-baking chicken. Use a meat thermometer. I cannot stress this enough. Chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
Skipping the cooking spray. It helps the breadcrumbs crisp up properly.

Speaking of saving time, you can make the breadcrumb mixture ahead. Store it in an airtight container. This healthy BBQ chicken is great reheated.

It makes for a fantastic next-day lunch. So, there you have it. Your guide to perfectly oven baked chicken , enjoy it!

Recipe Notes to Make Your Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Shine

Alright, let's talk about making these Baked BBQ chicken tenders absolutely amazing. We're diving into serving suggestions, storage, and variations to take this chicken tender recipe to the next level.

Honestly, these tips are game-changers!

Serving Suggestions

Think about how you wanna plate these beauties. You know, presentation is everything! Pile those BBQ chicken tenders high on a platter for a family-style dinner.

Or arrange them artfully for a fancy-ish get-together.

For sides, you can't go wrong with classic coleslaw. It cuts through the richness of the BBQ. Also, cornbread or even some oven baked chicken and chips are always a win! Don't forget your favourite BBQ chicken strips sauce for dipping!

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Baked chicken tenders are great the next day.

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll keep for about 3-4 days. If you want easy chicken dinner idea, make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months.

Just make sure they're cooled completely before freezing. When reheating, oven baked chicken is best to maintain the crispiness! Use a temperature of 350° F ( 175° C) to maintain the crispy baked chicken tenders texture.

Tweak it Your Way!

One of the best things about this chicken tender recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feeling adventurous?

For a healthy BBQ chicken version, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce. Try adding some sweet potato fries for a full meal!

You can even swap out the panko for crushed cornflakes for a different kind of crunch. I once used crushed tortilla chips! I made homemade BBQ chicken tenders and it was surprisingly good.

Nutrition Know-How

Let's keep it simple. These panko crusted chicken tenders are packed with protein. Depending on your BBQ sauce, they're pretty moderate in carbs.

Chicken is lean protein. It's great for building muscle and keeping you full. Just be mindful of the sugar content in your BBQ sauce.

So there you have it! All the extra bits to make your Baked BBQ chicken tenders a total success. Seriously, give these tips a try.

You'll create something truly special. Bon appétit, mate!

Crispy Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders The Ultimate Easy Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders ahead of time? I'm prepping for a party, innit!

You can prep these tenders in advance! Bread them and arrange them on a baking sheet, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Be aware that the breadcrumbs might soften slightly.

How do I store leftover Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders? I'm not about wasting scran!

Store leftover BBQ chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results, as microwaving can make them a bit soggy. Pop them back in the oven on a low heat and they'll be good as gold!

What's the best way to get the breadcrumbs to stick properly to the chicken? The blighters keep falling off!

A good tip is to ensure the chicken tenders are thoroughly coated in the BBQ sauce before dredging them in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere. A quick pat does the trick!

Can I use different types of BBQ sauce for these Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders? I fancy something a bit adventurous!

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors. A smoky BBQ sauce would add a deeper flavour, or a honey BBQ sauce for something a bit sweeter. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not try a fruity BBQ sauce like cherry or pineapple? Just be sure the sauce isn't too thin, or it won't coat the tenders properly.

Are these Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders healthy? I'm trying to be good, honest!

Compared to deep-fried versions, these baked BBQ chicken tenders are a healthier option. You can further reduce the fat content by using leaner chicken tenders, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Consider serving them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

My BBQ chicken tenders are cooked, but my breadcrumbs aren't crispy enough. Any tips?

If your chicken is cooked through but your breadcrumbs are lacking that satisfying crunch, try broiling them for the last minute or two of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! Spraying the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking also helps to promote browning and crispiness.