Chicken tenderloins are a quick easy and healthy dinner option that both kids and adults love. When baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, they come out juicy, tender and full of flavor. But exactly how long does it take to cook chicken tenderloins at 350 degrees? Let’s take a look.
The Prep Work
Before you even preheat the oven, there are a few prep steps to take to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly
-
Rinse and pat the tenderloins dry. Give them a quick rinse under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture on the outside could cause steaming instead of browning.
-
Season the tenderloins. For the best flavor, season them before cooking. Some simple seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika or Italian seasoning. You could also marinate them for added flavor.
-
Coat with oil. Use olive oil, avocado oil or melted butter to lightly coat the tenderloins before cooking. This helps promote browning and prevents them from drying out.
-
Use a baking sheet. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Non-stick spray helps prevent sticking.
Baking Time and Temperature
The ideal oven temperature for baking chicken tenderloins is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the exterior gets nice and crispy while the interior cooks through gently without drying out.
So how long exactly? The cooking time can vary slightly based on a few factors:
-
Thickness of the tenderloins – Thinner tenderloins will cook faster than thicker ones.
-
Your oven’s accuracy – Use an oven thermometer to check. Some ovens run hot or cold.
-
Frozen vs. thawed – Thawed tenderloins will cook much faster. Frozen needs extra time.
But in most cases, chicken tenderloins take 15-20 minutes to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on thickness. A good rule of thumb is to start checking them at 15 minutes and then cook longer if needed.
Checking for Doneness
With chicken, it’s essential to cook it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Here are some ways to check if your tenderloins are done:
-
Use an instant-read meat thermometer – insert into thickest part.
-
Cut into a tenderloin – it should be white inside with no pink.
-
Check that the juices run clear – not pink.
Once done, remove them immediately from the oven so they don’t overcook. Then let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Preventing Dryness
To keep the tenderloins juicy and moist, there are a few simple tricks:
-
Brush with oil or melted butter before baking
-
Bake at 350°F – higher temperatures increase drying
-
Do not overcook – use a meat thermometer
-
Allow to rest before cutting into them
-
Add chicken broth/water to the baking pan
-
Tent with foil to trap in moisture (remove foil towards end for browning)
Flavor Variations
The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning baked chicken tenderloins! Here are just a few ideas:
- Lemon pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Ranch seasoning
- Chili powder and cumin
- Jerk seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Parmesan and herbs
- BBQ rub
You could also use teriyaki, soy, honey mustard or other sauces during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for added flavor.
Cooking Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer
An air fryer lets you enjoy deliciously crispy chicken tenderloins without all the oil of deep frying. It uses rapid hot air to cook the food.
The air fryer timing is much faster than the oven. At 350°F, chicken tenderloins take only 12-15 minutes to cook through in an air fryer.
Be sure to flip them halfway during cooking for even browning. And always use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F internally before removing.
Serving Suggestions
Baked chicken tenderloins pair well with so many side dishes. Here are some delicious options:
- Rice or roasted potatoes
- Veggies like broccoli, green beans or asparagus
- Fresh salad or coleslaw
- Pasta or mac and cheese
- Rolls, biscuits or cornbread
- Mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes
You could also chop up cooked tenderloins to use in wraps, tacos, sandwiches or on top of pizza or flatbreads. And let’s not forget dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard or buffalo sauce!
Storage
Leftover baked chicken tenderloins will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken tenderloins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With the right prep, baking time and temperature, chicken tenderloins turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and delicious. Bake them in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15-20 minutes, or 12-15 minutes in an air fryer.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure they cook through to 165°F. And incorporate some flavorful seasonings or sauces for extra taste. Enjoy these quick and easy tenderloins on their own, in sandwiches or with a variety of savory sides.
How to remove the tendon from chicken tenders
Your tenders are not going to be at their best if they still have that tough tendon running through the center. Let me show you the best way to remove it in about 10 seconds.
Grip the tendon in one hand with a small piece of paper towel. In The other hand, put the tendon between the tines of a fork.
In one forceful motion, pull the tendon up using the paper towel, and push the chicken tender down with the fork. The tendon will pull right out.
This will split your tender almost completely down the center, but I would rather have that over a tough tendon in my chicken any day.
How to make healthy baked chicken tenders
These homemade chicken tenders do not require a breadcrumb mixture so they are perfect for someone following a gluten-free diet. That means less prep time!
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F and marinate the tenders: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with the oil, tamari, and seasonings. For best results, let coated tenders sit in the bowl while the oven preheats to absorb the marinade.
- Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. You could line the sheet pan with parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.
- Bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer gives an internal temperature of 165F.
As you can see, this chicken tenders recipe produces golden brown, juicy chicken without a crunchy coating that will be soggy 5 minutes later.
Ya Don’t Know Until Ya Dan-O: Blackened Chicken Tenders
FAQ
How long does chicken tenderloin take to cook at 350 degrees?
Bake at 350 for about 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center. If your tenders are thinner, they’ll be done sooner. If they’re thicker, they will need more time. Now just like we promised here are these beautiful zesty baked chicken tenderloins.
Is it better to bake chicken tenderloins at 350 or 400?
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400? You can cook chicken at either temperature. For juicier, more evenly cooked chicken, 350 degrees is better. However, 400 degrees will cook quicker if you’re short on time.
How long does chicken at 350 take to cook?
Cooking tips
Bake a 4-ounce chicken breast at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
How long do you keep chicken tenderloins in the oven?
Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. frozen tenderloins 30 to 35 minutes or until internal temperature on instant read thermometer reaches 170°F. (Bake thawed tenderloins 18 to 22 minutes.)