Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – that’s the dream for chicken tenders, right? If you’ve got a convection oven sitting in your kitchen, you’re already halfway to tender perfection! Today I’m gonna show you exactly how to cook chicken tenders in a convection oven for restaurant-quality results every single time
As someone who’s made about a zillion chicken tenders (my kids request them weekly!), I’ve figured out all the tricks to get that perfect crunch without deep frying. The convection oven is seriously your secret weapon here!
What Makes Convection Ovens Special for Chicken Tenders?
Before we dive into cooking times and temps, let’s understand why convection ovens are so awesome for chicken tenders:
- Even heat distribution – The fan circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity
- Faster cooking times – Usually about 25% faster than conventional ovens
- Crispier results – The circulating air helps create that golden crust we all crave
- More consistent cooking – No more hot spots or unevenly cooked tenders!
A convection oven is basically your ticket to perfectly cooked chicken tenders without having to babysit them constantly, The continuous airflow means each tender gets the same heat exposure for even cooking
The Perfect Temperature for Chicken Tenders in Convection Oven
According to multiple sources, the best temperature to bake chicken tenders in a convection oven is 400°F (204°C). This temperature hits the sweet spot – hot enough to get that crispy exterior while cooking the inside thoroughly without drying it out.
The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. The 400°F oven temperature helps achieve this internal temp while developing that perfect golden-brown crust.
How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in a Convection Oven
Here’s the part everyone wants to know – exactly how long to cook those tenders! Based on the sources:
| Type of Chicken Tenders | Cooking Time at 400°F |
|---|---|
| Fresh chicken tenders | 15-20 minutes |
| Frozen chicken tenders | 20-30 minutes |
| Breaded chicken tenders | 15-20 minutes |
The exact cooking time depends on a few factors:
- The thickness of your tenders
- Whether they’re breaded or not
- If they’re frozen or fresh
- Your specific convection oven model
For best results, flip your tenders halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Convection Oven Chicken Tenders
Let me walk you through the whole process from start to finish:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness!)
- 1 cup bread crumbs or panko
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
Instructions:
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Preheat your convection oven to 400°F (204°C). This is super important! Don’t skip the preheating step.
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Prep the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and promotes browning.
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Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Dish 2: Milk
- Dish 3: Bread crumbs or panko
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Bread the chicken tenders by first dredging in the flour mixture, then dipping in milk, and finally coating thoroughly in bread crumbs. Press the crumbs gently to help them adhere.
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Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd them – leave some space between each piece for air circulation.
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Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a tiny bit of oil. This helps achieve that golden-brown color.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your tenders.
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Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). No pink should remain inside.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips for Next-Level Convection Oven Chicken Tenders
Want to take your chicken tenders from good to AMAZING? Try these pro tips:
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Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This is probably the #1 mistake people make! Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to soggy, not crispy, tenders.
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Use a wire rack placed on top of your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate all around the chicken tenders for maximum crispiness.
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Experiment with different breading options. Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch, while adding grated Parmesan to regular breadcrumbs adds flavor. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder too!
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Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and adds moisture.
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Double-dip for extra crunch. After the first breading, dip the tender back in the milk and then in the breadcrumbs again for an extra-thick coating.
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Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only foolproof way to check doneness without cutting into your perfectly cooked tenders.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders in a Convection Oven
We all have those nights when we need dinner ASAP and forgot to thaw anything! Here’s how to handle frozen chicken tenders in your convection oven:
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Preheat your convection oven to 400°F.
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Place the frozen tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check the internal temperature – it should reach 165°F.
The USDA says frozen chicken tenders should be baked directly from frozen – don’t thaw them first, as this can affect texture and introduce food safety risks.
Troubleshooting: Common Chicken Tender Problems
Even with a convection oven, things don’t always go perfectly. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Problem: Tenders are cooked outside but raw inside
Solution: Lower the temperature to 375°F and cook longer. This gives the inside time to cook through without burning the exterior.
Problem: Breading falls off during cooking
Solution: Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before breading. Also, let the breaded tenders sit for 5-10 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere.
Problem: Tenders are too dry
Solution: You might be overcooking them. Try reducing the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Also consider marinating them beforehand.
Problem: Not crispy enough
Solution: Make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan. Also, try spraying with a bit more oil before baking.
Health Benefits of Convection Oven Chicken Tenders
One huge advantage of making chicken tenders in a convection oven rather than frying them is the health benefits:
- Lower in fat and calories – Baked tenders use significantly less oil than deep-fried versions
- Reduced risk of harmful compounds – Deep frying at high temperatures can create potentially harmful compounds
- Same great protein content – Chicken is still an excellent source of lean protein
According to nutritional data, an average serving of baked chicken tenders contains about 30-40% fewer calories than their fried counterparts. That’s a big difference if you’re watching your calorie intake!
Delicious Dipping Sauces for Your Chicken Tenders
What’s a chicken tender without some awesome sauce to dip it in? Here are some quick ideas:
- Classic honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Buffalo sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo (just mix mayo with sriracha to taste)
My personal favorite is mixing equal parts honey and dijon mustard with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Takes like 30 seconds to make and tastes amazing!
Final Thoughts: Why Convection Oven Chicken Tenders Rock
I’ve tried making chicken tenders pretty much every way possible, and the convection oven method is hands-down my favorite for everyday cooking. It gives you that perfect balance of convenience, health, and deliciousness.
The circulating air of a convection oven creates chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – without having to deal with the mess and extra calories of deep frying. Plus, it’s way more hands-off than pan frying, giving you time to prepare sides or just relax while dinner cooks.
Remember the key points:
- Preheat to 400°F
- Cook for 15-20 minutes (fresh) or 20-30 minutes (frozen)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Flip halfway through
- Check for 165°F internal temperature
Master these basics, and you’ll have perfect convection oven chicken tenders every time. Your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes!
Have you tried making chicken tenders in your convection oven? What’s your favorite breading or seasoning? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your tips and tricks too!
Can You Reheat Chicken Tenders?
You can absolutely reheat chicken tenders. You can revive the crispy texture of chicken tenders, or chicken strips as theyre often called, by using one of these 4 different methods to heat them back up.
4 Reheating Methods for Tasty Chicken Tenders
Heres how you can reheat your chicken strips to get another tasty meal!
When reheating, you want to ensure the chickens internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Most homes have an oven, so reheating there is a practical option, especially if you have a larger amount of chicken to warm up.
- When reheating chicken strips in a regular oven, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While things heat up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the baking tray without crowding them.
- Bake refrigerated chicken tenders for 10-15 minutes and frozen tenders for 20-25 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces,
PRO TIP: How to get extra crispy chicken? Use a wire rack and coat the chicken with oil for an extra crispy touch. Also, flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking.
Reheating chicken tenders in the toaster oven is just as easy and gives you crispy results. This method is ideal if you have just a few leftovers.
For best results, set your toaster oven to 400 degrees F.
- Put the chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet or right on the wire rack to get them extra crispy.
- Using this method, bake the chicken strips for 7 minutes before flipping them and cooking for 3 more minutes.
The best way to reheat chicken tenders is using your air fryer (our preferred method). It heats them quickly without drying them out inside, giving them a nice crispy exterior. Many people say this is their favorite method to warm them up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. for 3 minutes.
- Put the chicken in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Dont overcrowd them; they need air circulation or will come out with a soggy texture.
- Air fry refrigerated chicken strips for 5-7 minutes. If you use frozen chicken tenders or chicken fingers, set it for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through the cooking time.
PRO TIP: Dont over-crowd the air fryer, as air needs to circulate air to crisp the chicken up!
Most everyone will agree that the microwave is not the best method for reheating chicken strips, but its an easy way. So, use the microwave if youre short on time, in a hotel or dorm room, or dont want to wait another second for a tasty snack.
- Grab a microwave-safe plate and put your leftover chicken tenders on it.
- Reheat for 30-second intervals. A total of one minute on high should do the trick for reheating your chicken tenders in the microwave.
PRO TIP: Its a good idea to add a damp paper towel on top, which will help keep them moist, and you should ensure space around each piece of chicken.
Easy and Quick Baked Chicken Tenders
FAQ
How long to cook raw chicken tenders in a convection oven?
Convection Oven: Reduce time to 15-18 minutes if using convection. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Air Fryer Directions: Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
How long to cook a chicken in a convection oven?
… chicken in the oven and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue to roast for an additional 12 minutes per pound longer
Is it better to bake chicken tenders 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.
Is it better to cook chicken in a convection oven or regular oven?
Convection is a great choice for cooking lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast because convection circulates heated air around the oven preserving the natural moisture in food.
What is the ideal temperature to cook chicken tenders?
A convection oven is preferred to get air circulation under the rack. It will take about 15 to 18 minutes in a 400° convection or 425° conventional oven. You can cook at 350° or 375°, but they will tend to dry more. The time will be a few minutes longer usually but cook to 165° internal temperature.
Can a convection oven cook chicken?
Convection ovens are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide, and for good reason. Their ability to circulate hot air evenly results in faster cooking times, crispier results, and often, more flavorful dishes. But mastering the art of convection cooking, especially with delicate proteins like chicken, can feel a bit daunting.
How to cook chicken tenders in the oven?
Preheat the oven and prepare a baking tray with a rack. Remove the tendon and pat dry the chicken tenders. Mix some Panko bread crumbs with a few simple spices and coat the tenders. Bake until golden brown for about 30 minutes.
How do you keep chicken tenders moist after cooking?
Basting: Baste the chicken with pan juices or butter periodically during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful. Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful chicken.
How does a convection oven work?
The hot air circulation in a convection oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin becomes beautifully crispy. Convection ovens are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide, and for good reason. Their ability to circulate hot air evenly results in faster cooking times, crispier results, and often, more flavorful dishes.
How long do you cook chicken tenders?
To cook chicken tenders (also known as chicken tenderloins), bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which takes about 15 to 18 minutes.