How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350
Do you ever need a meal that can be cooked in a flash? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Baked chicken tenders are an easy and delicious dish that requires minimal preparation and cooking time. This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make this tasty treat in under 30 minutes — including baking time at 350 degrees F. Not only is this recipe for baked chicken tender, speedy and straightforward, but it also promises flavorful results every time, so your family or guests will never taste disappointment! Learn how long to bake your chicken tenders at 350 degrees for perfect results.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350
Let’s start with the basics. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place your seasoned chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method gives you juicy Chicken with a friendly, crispy exterior.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 in Foil
The foil acts as a mini oven within the oven, locking in moisture and speeding up the cooking process. Place your seasoned chicken tenders on a sheet of foil and fold over the edges to create a sealed packet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F. Then, open the foil and bake for 5-10 minutes to allow the tenders to crisp up.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 without foil
Without foil, the chicken tenders are exposed to direct heat, creating a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender. This method is the same as baking uncovered. Bake the tenders for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 Uncovered
When baking uncovered, the hot air circulates freely around the Chicken, creating a nice exterior while keeping the Chicken moist inside. Bake your chicken tenders found on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 Covered
Baking covered can help trap moisture, but it might prevent the tenders from getting a golden-brown crust. If baking in a dish with a lid, bake for about 20-25 minutes at 350°F. Then, uncover and bake for 5-10 minutes for a crispy exterior.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 in an Air Fryer
Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying and cook more efficiently than a conventional oven. To bake chicken tenders in an air fryer at 350°F, place them in the fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350 in a Convection Oven
A convection oven circulates hot air around the food, providing even and efficient cooking. Therefore, cooking times are often shorter. To bake your chicken tenders in a convection oven at 350°F, arrange them on a baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
How Long to Bake Frozen Chicken Tenders at 350
Frozen chicken tenders are a convenient, ready-to-cook option. To bake frozen chicken tenders at 350°F, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes. Always check the package instructions, as cooking times can vary based on the size and brand of the tenders.
How Long to Bake Bone-in Chicken Tenders at 350
Bone-in chicken tenders usually take a bit longer to bake than boneless. Bake bone-in chicken tenders at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
How Do You Keep Chicken Moist When Baking at 350?
Keeping Chicken moist when baking at 350°F can be achieved through a few different methods:
- Bringing: Soaking the Chicken in a saltwater mixture before cooking can help to lock in moisture. This is especially useful for lean cuts of Chicken like breasts or tenders. A basic brine can be made with 1/4 cup of salt dissolved in 4 cups of water.
- Marinating: Like brining, marinating the Chicken adds flavor, helps tenderize the meat, and keeps it moist. Use a marinade with an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) and oil.
- Baking with Foil or a Lid: Covering the Chicken while it bakes can help to trap moisture. You should remove the cover near the end of cooking if you want crispy skin.
- Basting: If you’re baking the Chicken without a cover, basting it periodically with its juices or a marinade can help to keep it moist.
- Not Overcooking: The most important tip is to avoid overcooking the Chicken. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The overcooked Chicken will be dry, regardless of your other methods.
- Letting it Rest: After the Chicken is cooked, rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leading to a moister chicken.
Is it Better to Bake Chicken at 350 or 375?
Deciding between baking chicken at 350°F or 375°F largely depends on the size of the chicken pieces and your personal preference for the final product.
Baking Chicken at a lower temperature, like 350°F, can produce a more evenly cooked chicken with more retained moisture. This is especially useful for more extensive or whole chicken pieces, as it allows heat time to penetrate the center without overcooking the outside.
On the other hand, baking Chicken at a slightly higher temperature, like 375°F, can yield a crispier skin or exterior. This is often preferred for smaller pieces like chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders, as the higher temperature can help to render fat and crisp up the skin more effectively.
Baked Chicken Tenders Ingredients
To prepare baked chicken tenders, you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Other seasonings of your choice (such as garlic powder, paprika, or a blend of herbs)
How to Bake Chicken Tenders at 350
Follow these steps to bake your chicken tenders:
Step 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the Chicken to start cooking as soon as it goes in, ensuring a consistent cooking process.
Step 2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the olive oil and seasonings adhere better to the Chicken.
Step 3. Season the Chicken Tenders: Drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil. Then, season them with salt and pepper. If you’re using additional seasonings, add them now. Toss the tenders to make sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 4. Arrange the Chicken Tenders on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer and not touching. This will ensure they cook evenly.
Step 5. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken tenders for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F as read on a meat thermometer.
Step 6. Rest the Chicken Tenders: After removing the chicken tenders from the oven, rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken tenders juicier.
Serve your chicken tenders with your favorite side dishes and sauces, and enjoy!
How can I make crispy baked Chicken Tenders at 375?
Crispy baked chicken tenders can undoubtedly be made at 375°F. The slightly lower temperature than the previous recipe may require a little longer cooking time, but the process remains similar.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent the Chicken from sticking.
Step 2. Season the Flour: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. Beat the Eggs: In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.
Step 4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish.
Step 5. Dredge the Chicken Tenders: Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs. Press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 6. Arrange the Chicken Tenders on the Rack: Place each piece on the wire rack as you finish. Ensure the details aren’t touching to allow the heat to circulate each tender.
Step 7. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes (or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F as read on a meat thermometer)—no need to turn them during cooking because the heat circulates the wire rack.
Step 8. Rest the Chicken Tenders: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute.
Your crispy baked chicken tenders at 375°F are ready to be served! Accompany them with your favorite dipping sauces, fresh veggies, or a salad for a complete meal.
Baked Chicken Tenders Nutrition Facts
The nutritional content of baked chicken tenders can vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. However, there’s a general estimate for bare-baked chicken tenders prepared without breading. Adding breading, sauces, or additional ingredients will alter these values.
Per serving (approximately 3 oz or 85 grams of chicken tenders):
- Calories: 100-130
- Fat: 2-3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 grams
- Cholesterol: 65-75 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin (vitamin B3), and selenium. However, it’s important to note that preparation methods and additional ingredients can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the final dish.
For example, if you use a breading method with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, you will add additional calories, fats, and carbohydrates to the dish. The exact quantities will depend on how much breading adheres to the Chicken and the particular breadcrumbs or flour used.
Should I bake Chicken Tenders with or without the skin?
Baking with Skin
– Flavor and Moisture: The skin can add extra flavor and help keep the Chicken moist during baking. This can be especially beneficial if the Chicken is being cooked at a high temperature or for an extended period.
– Crispiness: If you aim for a crispy exterior, the skin can provide an excellent, crisp texture when baked.
Baking without Skin
– Health Considerations: The skin is where much of the fat is. By removing it, you can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of the Chicken. This may be a better option if you’re trying to eat a lower-fat diet.
– Better Adherence of Seasonings and Marinades: Without the skin, your seasonings and marinades will have direct contact with the meat. This can produce more flavorful Chicken as the herbs and marinades penetrate the heart more easily.
How to Know if Chicken Tenders is Cooked
Knowing when chicken tenders are cooked thoroughly is crucial for taste and food safety. The most accurate way to determine if the Chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken tender. The Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
How to Know Chicken Tenders is Cooked Without a Thermometer
While a meat thermometer is the most accurate tool for ensuring your Chicken is fully cooked, it’s possible to check without one:
Check the Color: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken tender. The meat inside should be white and opaque throughout. There should not be any pink or translucent (see-through) areas that would indicate the Chicken is not fully cooked.
Check the Juices: The juices should run clear when you cut into the Chicken. The Chicken is not fully cooked if the juices are pink or have a bloody tint.
Check the Texture: The texture of the fully cooked Chicken is firm but not hard. If the meat feels rubbery, jiggly, or undercooked, it likely needs more cooking time.
If you still need clarification, it’s best to err on caution and cook the Chicken longer. Consuming undercooked Chicken can lead to foodborne illness, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How can I make a simple marinade for baked Chicken Tenders?
Simple Chicken Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or a dish with a lid. Pour the marinade over the Chicken, ensuring all the tenders are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate: Let the Chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting the Chicken marinate for 2 hours or overnight can produce more flavorful, tender Chicken.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheet while the Chicken marries.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the Chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake until the Chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C), about 20 to 25 minutes.
What are some excellent side dishes to serve with baked Chicken Tenders?
- Chicken tenders are versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- Roasted Vegetables: This could include a mix of your favorite vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and flavors in the vegetables.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes always make a great side dish for Chicken. You could also consider sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy coleslaw can contrast the baked chicken tenders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These make a healthier alternative to traditional fries and pair well with Chicken.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing can be a light and healthy side.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This classic side dish is particularly popular with kids and makes a comforting addition to chicken tenders.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled until it’s slightly charred and then brushed with butter; this makes for a delicious side dish in warmer months.
- Rice or Quinoa: These grains are good for soaking up sauces and can be made more interesting by adding vegetables or herbs.
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: Freshly baked biscuits or dinner rolls can be a great side to complete your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette can contrast the warm Chicken.
How Should I Store Leftover Baked Chicken Tenders?
Storing leftover baked chicken tenders properly can help maintain their quality and safety. Here are the steps to do so:
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken tenders to cool down before storing. However, don’t leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, which can encourage bacterial growth.
- Proper Container: Place the chicken tenders in airtight containers or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to prevent air from getting in and drying out the Chicken.
- Refrigeration: Store the leftover chicken tenders in the refrigerator. They should be safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored correctly in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to store the chicken tenders for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled chicken tenders in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, they can maintain the best quality for up to four months in the freezer but remain safe.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat. If you’re heating from the freezer, it’s best to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Related questions:
1. What seasonings can I use for baked chicken tenders?
You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Consider using curry powder, chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning blend for a different flavor profile.
2. What are some good marinade recipes for baked chicken tenders?
A good marinade can include olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Try honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes for a sweet and spicy marinade. Use buttermilk, garlic, mustard, and a mix of your favorite herbs for a tangy twist.
3. How can I make a gluten-free version of baked chicken tenders?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the breading. Ensure any other ingredients, like sauces or marinades, are also gluten-free.
4. How can I make a low-carb version of baked chicken tenders?
Instead of using traditional bread crumbs or flour, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the breading.
5. Can I use a rack when baking chicken tenders?
Yes, using a rack can help circulate heat around the chicken tenders, making them cook more evenly. It can also keep them from sitting in their juices, making the breading soggy.
6. How should I store leftover baked chicken tenders?
Cool the chicken tenders, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
7. Can I freeze baked chicken tenders?
Yes, cool the chicken tenders, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.
8. What dipping sauces go well with baked chicken tenders?
Some popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing, sweet and sour sauce, buffalo sauce, and tzatziki sauce.
9. How can I make baked chicken tenders healthier?
Use whole grain or gluten-free breading, bake instead of fry, and use a lean chicken cut like chicken breast. You can add healthy ingredients to your marinade, like Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
