You know those nights when you need dinner to be fast, delicious, and satisfying? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these BBQ baked chicken tenders. They’ve saved me more weeknights than I can count! The secret is that perfect combo of crispy breadcrumb coating and sticky-sweet BBQ sauce – all without deep frying. My kids go crazy for them (even the picky one!), and honestly? I love how little cleanup there is compared to messy stovetop cooking. Just toss everything on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work while you relax. These tenders turn out juicy every single time, with that irresistible smoky-sweet flavor we all crave.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders

Let me tell you why these tenders are my go-to weeknight hero:

• Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 40 minutes – even faster if you’re like me and forget to preheat the oven!
• That perfect crunch: The breadcrumbs bake up golden and crispy without all the grease of frying
• Smoky-sweet magic: That BBQ glaze caramelizes just enough to make every bite irresistible
• Healthier but still indulgent: All the flavor of takeout with way less guilt (I may or may not eat three servings…)
• Kid-approved: Even my “I-only-eat-chicken-nuggets” nephew devours these

Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy, breaded chicken again!

Ingredients for BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders

Here’s everything you’ll need for those perfect crispy-coated, saucy tenders – I’ve learned the hard way that quality ingredients make all the difference!

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or slice breasts into strips if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided – we’ll use half for basting)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives the best crunch, but regular works too)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (the secret flavor booster!)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (trust me, it makes the BBQ flavor pop)
• 1/4 tsp salt (I use kosher)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (helps the coating stick beautifully)

Pro tip: If your BBQ sauce is super thick, warm it slightly before brushing – it’ll glide on like a dream!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these BBQ baked chicken tenders! Here’s what I always grab from my kitchen:

• Baking sheet (half-sheet pan is my go-to)
• Parchment paper (no sticking and easy cleanup!)
• 2 mixing bowls (one for dry stuff, one for sauce)
• Basting brush (the silicone ones don’t shed bristles)

That’s it! I’ve made these with just these basics when my kitchen was mid-renovation – proof that great food doesn’t need fancy tools.

How to Make BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s get these beauties in the oven! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turn out perfect on the first try.

Step 1: Prep the Coating

First things first – preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic starts! If you’re going gluten-free, almond flour works great here too – just add an extra pinch of the spices since it’s milder than breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat and Bake

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, you’ll thank me during cleanup). Now lightly brush each chicken tender with olive oil – I use my hands for this because it’s faster, but tongs work too. Roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Space them out on the baking sheet – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp up!

Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each tender (I use kitchen tongs for this). You’ll see they’re already getting golden! Bake another 10 minutes – this ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce

Now for the best part! Brush BBQ sauce generously over each tender. I like to do both sides, but if you’re short on time, just the tops work too. Pop them back in for 5 more minutes – this lets the sauce caramelize slightly. Want extra crispiness? Turn on the broiler for just 1-2 minutes at the end (but watch closely – it burns fast!).

And voila! Juicy, crispy, saucy perfection ready to devour.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders

After making these BBQ baked chicken tenders more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Wire rack magic: Baking on a rack over the sheet pan makes them crispier all around – no soggy bottoms!
• Temp check: Always use a meat thermometer – 165°F (74°C) means perfectly juicy chicken every time
• Sauce control: Too sweet? Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar. Too tangy? Add a teaspoon of honey
• Patience pays: Let them rest 5 minutes after baking – the sauce sets better and they stay juicier

These little tweaks take good tenders to absolutely irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities with these BBQ baked chicken tenders! Here’s how I love to serve them:

• Classic combo: Pile them high with cool, creamy coleslaw – the crunch contrast is everything
• Veggie love: Roasted sweet potatoes or crispy Brussels sprouts soak up that BBQ sauce perfectly
• Dipping party: Set out extra BBQ sauce, ranch, and honey mustard for dunking (my kids go wild for this!)
• Sandwich style: Tuck them into buns with pickles and crispy onions for the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwich

Honestly? They’re fantastic straight off the baking sheet too – no sides required when you’re hangry!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how I keep my BBQ baked chicken tenders tasting fresh (because let’s be real – leftovers never last long in my house!): Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it makes them soggy. Instead, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. Pro tip: Add a fresh brush of BBQ sauce after reheating for that just-made taste!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these BBQ baked chicken tenders (values are estimates and vary based on ingredients/brands): Each serving packs about 280 calories with 26g protein and 24g carbs. Not bad for something this tasty, right?

FAQs About BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders

I get asked these questions all the time about BBQ baked chicken tenders – here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few kitchen disasters!):

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? Absolutely! Just slice breasts into 1-inch strips – they’ll take maybe 2-3 minutes longer to bake. I actually do this when tenders are crazy expensive at my grocery store.

How do I make these gluten-free? Easy swap! Use almond flour or gluten-free panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. Watch your BBQ sauce too – some brands sneak in wheat.

Why are my tenders coming out dry? Three likely culprits: oven runs hot (get an oven thermometer!), overcooking (stick to the times I gave), or not using enough oil before the breading step.

Can I prep these ahead? You bet! Do the breading up to 4 hours before baking and refrigerate – just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe? I like a smoky-sweet sauce with some tang – but honestly? Use whatever makes your taste buds happy! That’s the beauty of homemade.

Juicy BBQ Baked Chicken Tenders in 30 Minutes

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

BBQ baked chicken tenders are a quick and delicious meal. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a smoky BBQ flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken tenders in olive oil, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes.
6. Brush BBQ sauce over the tenders and bake for 5 more minutes.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check if chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
• Adjust BBQ sauce amount to your preference.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: bbq chicken, baked tenders, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe