Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Recipe

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between family-friendly comfort and bold, crave-worthy flavor quite like Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet barbecue glaze, these tenders offer everything people love about grilled chicken and fried fast food—without the grease or the hassle. Baked in the oven until golden and tender, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, meal prepping, or even casual entertaining.

In today’s world of fast-paced meals and dietary awareness, home cooks are constantly seeking recipes that are both satisfying and simple, flavorful and healthy. Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders rise to the occasion. They deliver the nostalgic joy of biting into a saucy, crunchy chicken strip, but with the added benefits of home-cooked control: lean meat, reduced fat, and ingredients you can trust. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Pair them with fresh salads, tuck them into sandwiches, or serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter.

Barbecue chicken itself is a cornerstone of American cuisine, with deep roots in Southern cooking traditions. It’s a dish that evokes backyard gatherings, smoke-filled summer evenings, and communal meals filled with laughter and warmth. While classic BBQ chicken is usually grilled or smoked, this baked version captures the spirit of that tradition in a more accessible, kitchen-friendly form. There’s no need for a smoker or grill—just a hot oven and a craving for something delicious.

In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of making the perfect Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders. From choosing the right type of chicken to mastering the breading technique and selecting the ideal barbecue sauce, you’ll learn how to create a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but deeply satisfying to eat. Along the way, you’ll find tips for customization, ideas for side dishes, guidance on reheating leftovers, and even notes on making your tenders gluten-free or dairy-free.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef looking to refine your technique or a kitchen novice hoping to impress your family with a new go-to recipe, this article is designed to equip you with everything you need. The goal isn’t just to give you a recipe—it’s to help you understand the why behind each step, so you can adapt it to your taste and kitchen with confidence.

Ready to get started? Let’s begin by looking at the history and evolution of barbecue chicken—and how the humble tender became a beloved staple in kitchens across America.

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders at home may look simple at first glance, but the magic lies in the small details—how the chicken is seasoned, how the coating is applied, and how the barbecue sauce is layered and baked. Below is a comprehensive breakdown that walks you through every phase of the recipe, from preparation to serving.

Preheat and Prepare Your Station

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to brown the coating and “crisp up” the tenders without needing to fry them.

Next, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

• Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Bowl 2: Lightly beaten eggs with a splash of milk or water.

• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.

Tip: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and ensures the tenders bake evenly on all sides.

Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using whole chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch wide strips lengthwise. Chicken tenders are already the perfect shape, but they should all be about the same size to ensure even cooking.

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Moisture can interfere with how well the flour and breadcrumbs stick. Drying the chicken also promotes better browning.

Bread the Chicken

Using the classic three-step breading method:

1. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off the excess.

2. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.

3. Press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated and the crumbs adhere well.

Place the breaded tenders on your prepared baking rack or sheet as you go.

Tip: Press down gently on the tenders when coating with panko to help it stick more firmly. This will result in a crispier crust.

Bake the Chicken

Once all tenders are coated and on the tray:

• Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking oil spray. This is crucial—it encourages even browning and helps the crust get golden and crunchy.

• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Check for doneness:

• Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• The crust should be golden brown and crisp.

Glaze with BBQ Sauce

Remove the tray from the oven and brush each tender with BBQ sauce. You can glaze just the tops or flip and coat both sides for extra sauciness.

Once sauced, return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes. This allows the barbecue sauce to caramelize, creating that sticky, glossy finish that clings to the tenders.

Tip: Want a more charred BBQ look and flavor? Switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch carefully—BBQ sauce can burn quickly.

Let Them Rest Briefly

Once out of the oven, let the tenders rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents the breading from slipping off when cut or bitten into.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders immediately while hot. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Combo: Serve with fries or coleslaw.

• Light Meal: Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

• Sandwiches: Slice tenders and place in a soft roll with pickles and more BBQ sauce.

• Appetizer Platter: Cut into bite-sized chunks and serve with extra BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.