Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders: Quick & Budget-Friendly

These oven baked chicken tenders cost $6.71 in total, or $1.68 per serving, and come together in about 20-25 minutes, which makes them a good fit for busy weeknights.

Chicken breast tenders are tossed in a savory seasoning blend and baked until tender and juicy. They pair well with almost any side.

What this costs

These are estimated costs based on typical U.S. supermarket store-brand prices in September 2026. Prices vary by store and region, so treat them as a guide.

Ingredient cost = pack price ÷ pack quantity × amount used. Cost per serving = total recipe cost ÷ servings.

Ingredient Notes and Cheaper Swaps

Chicken Breast Tenders

Chicken breast tenders cook quickly and are usually sold pre-cut, saving prep time. If you can only find full chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch thick strips yourself; this can sometimes be cheaper per pound, especially when breasts are on sale.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but any neutral-flavored cooking oil will work here. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or a light olive oil are often more budget-friendly alternatives. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist during baking.

Soy Sauce (or Tamari)

If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a 1:1 substitute with a very similar flavor. Store-brand soy sauce works just as well as name brands for a marinade like this.

Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning

These two seasonings provide a lot of flavor for a small cost. You can also use other dried herbs and spices you have on hand, such as onion powder, paprika, or dried oregano.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders Step by Step

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine the raw chicken tenders with the oil, soy sauce (or tamari), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit in this marinade while the oven preheats.

Arrange the tenders in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet without overcrowding, so they brown slightly rather than steam. Because the chicken is coated in oil, you shouldn’t need to grease the baking sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is opaque throughout and reaches 165°F when an instant-read meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of a tender. Cooking times vary with the thickness of the tenders and your oven, so rely on the thermometer. If you’ve removed the tendon, the tenders might cook a little faster.

Serve the tenders hot. For full quantities and detailed steps, refer to the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Results

• Marinate Briefly: Even 10-15 minutes of marinating while the oven preheats makes a difference in flavor. You can also marinate for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Pat Chicken Dry (Optional): For a crispier exterior, pat the tenders dry with a paper towel before adding the marinade. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
• Let Rest: Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Once cooled, store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These basics glass food storage containers make them easy to see and reheat.

The microwave works for a quick warm-up but can make them less crispy. For the best texture, reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

To freeze, place cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Ideas and Variations

• Classic Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or ketchup.
• On Salads: Chop the tenders and add them to a green salad, or serve them with a simple side salad alongside a hearty dish like this Easy Smothered Cabbage Recipe with Sausage.
• With Pasta or Rice: Serve alongside a simple pasta dish or a bed of rice. For another chicken and rice dish, check out this Easy Chicken Drumstick and Rice Bake.
• Sheet Pan Meal: Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the baking sheet during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Emily Carter

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

Quick, easy, and budget-friendly oven baked chicken tenders made with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 234

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken breast tenders
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• 1 rimmed baking sheet
• 1 medium mixing bowl
• 1 instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the avocado oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, tossing until every piece is well coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate for 5-10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
4. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes.

Notes

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For best results, ensure chicken tenders are in a single layer on the baking sheet to cook evenly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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