Oven-Baked Chicken Tenderloins: Timing Tips

Chicken tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are versatile, healthy, and can be customised with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste. The best way to ensure juicy, tender chicken is to cook it at a lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and to keep an eye on the internal temperature, removing the chicken from the oven once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins, they should be baked for around 20 to 30 minutes.

How to make chicken tenderloins crispy

Chicken tenderloins are a great, healthy option for an easy weeknight dinner. They are quick to cook and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to make chicken tenderloins crispy.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken tenderloins
• Butter or oil
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper)
• Breadcrumbs (e.g. panko) or flour
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cooking spray

Method

• Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Prepare your chosen spices in a small bowl.
• Melt the butter or oil in a separate bowl or pan.
• Combine the melted butter/oil with the spices and whisk together.
• Pat your chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.
• Dredge the chicken tenderloins in the butter/oil mixture.
• Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and, if desired, a spritz of cooking spray.
• Place the chicken tenderloins on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space around each one.
• Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, place a rack on the baking sheet before adding the chicken. This will allow the heat to circulate and create a crunchy coating on all sides.
• You can also spray the chicken with cooking spray before placing it in the oven, and again when you turn them over.

Tips

• Choose uniformly sized chicken tenderloins so that they cook at a similar rate.
• Always dry your chicken before cooking to remove any excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
• For a more complex flavour, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk before cooking.
• For a gluten-free option, omit the flour and breadcrumbs and use a cornstarch slurry instead.

How to store chicken tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

Refrigerating Chicken Tenderloins

Leftover chicken tenderloins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures that the chicken remains fresh and safe to consume.

Freezing Chicken Tenderloins

If you wish to store the chicken for an extended period, freezing is a suitable option. Place the cooled chicken tenderloins in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Refrigerated or Frozen Chicken Tenderloins

When you're ready to enjoy your stored chicken tenderloins, there are several reheating options to choose from:

• Oven: Place the thawed or refrigerated chicken on a baking tray and heat it in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
• Skillet: Reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Use your air fryer to reheat the chicken, ensuring it remains crispy.
• Microwave: Although the microwave is an option, it may dry out the chicken.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenderloins even after the initial cooking, making them a convenient and tasty option for future meals.

How to reheat chicken tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are also a good choice if you're looking for a healthy alternative to fried chicken. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some detailed instructions on how to reheat chicken tenderloins to ensure they stay juicy and crispy:

Using an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is considered the best way to reheat chicken tenderloins as it helps maintain the crunchiness of the crust. Here are the steps to follow:

• Take the chicken tenderloins out of the fridge or freezer and let them reach room temperature.
• Use paper towels to absorb any excess moisture from the chicken.
• Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for even heating.
• Brush or spray a small amount of vegetable or cooking oil on the chicken pieces.
• Set the air fryer to medium heat or 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• Flip the chicken tenderloins and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.

Using an Oven:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, the oven is another good option for reheating chicken tenderloins. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish, preferably on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
• Brush a small amount of oil on both sides of the chicken pieces.
• Reheat the chicken for about 15 minutes.
• Flip the chicken tenderloins and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
• Continue reheating for another 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Using a Microwave:

If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be used as a last resort, but it may result in soggier chicken. Here are the steps:

• Place the chicken tenderloins in a microwave-safe dish.
• Set the microwave to reheat or a low-heat setting for about 5 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.
• If desired, crisp up the coating under the broiler for a minute or two after microwaving.

General Tips:

• It is recommended to let the chicken tenderloins reach room temperature before reheating to ensure even heating.
• If you're short on time, you can take the chill off by placing them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds before using other reheating methods.
• Always ensure that your chicken tenderloins are thoroughly heated to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any food safety issues.
• When storing leftover chicken tenderloins, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer-term storage.

How to make chicken tenderloins juicy

Chicken tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are versatile, healthy, and can be made juicy and full of flavour. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken tenderloins are juicy:

Choose the right cut of meat

Chicken tenderloins are the most tender part of the chicken breast. They are the narrow, thin strip of meat loosely attached to the underside of the chicken breast. They are also known as chicken mini fillets, chicken strips, tendies, or chicken fillets. You can buy them separately or as part of a chicken breast, and they are a great option if you prefer not to handle raw chicken.

Prepare the chicken

If you are using frozen chicken tenderloins, make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight. Before cooking, remove the tough white tendon that is attached to the tenderloin. You can do this by placing the edge of the tendon between the tines of a fork and pulling it out. It is also important to dry your chicken with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help you achieve a crispy texture.

Seasoning and marinade

Seasoning every layer of your chicken tenderloins is key to achieving a juicy and flavourful result. You can use a simple spice mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also try an Asian spice coating with ginger, garlic, soy, and gochujang, or an Indian-style spice mix with garlic, curry, coriander, and red chilli powder.

Another option is to marinate your chicken tenderloins before cooking. A quick marinade can include milk, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will create a protective coating that locks in the juices. You can also add some hot sauce for extra flavour.

Cooking method

Baking or air frying chicken tenderloins is a healthier alternative to frying, and it can still result in juicy and tender meat. To bake, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F. Place your seasoned or marinated chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also try a two-step cooking method by first searing the chicken tenderloins in a pan with olive oil and butter, and then finishing them in the oven.

Serving

Chicken tenderloins go well with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, salad, pasta, asparagus, broccoli, or French fries. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard sauce, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.

How to check if chicken tenderloins are cooked

Chicken tenderloins are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer, check the temperature of the chicken by sticking the probe into the thickest part of the meat. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the tenderloin and check that it's no longer pink.

It's important to note that the cooking time for chicken tenderloins will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the method of cooking. When baking, most recipes recommend cooking the tenderloins for around 20-30 minutes at an oven temperature of 350°F-425°F. However, when cooking on a stovetop, the cooking time can be as little as 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.

If you're unsure whether your chicken is cooked, it's always better to cook it a little longer to be safe. Keep in mind that overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so it's best to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F rather than letting it climb too high.

Some recipes also suggest letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, which can help the juices redistribute and ensure that the meat is moist and tender.

Frequently asked questions