Introduction
Baking chicken tenderloins can be a quick and easy meal solution for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. However, many people struggle with keeping their chicken tender and juicy, resulting in dry and tasteless meat. In this article, we will explore five foolproof ways to bake perfectly juicy chicken tenderloins, provide a step-by-step tutorial for beginners, share tips and tricks for achieving optimal seasoning, texture and crispy skin, and offer a variety of healthy and delicious baked chicken tenderloin recipes to try.
5 Foolproof Ways to Bake Perfectly Juicy Chicken Tenderloins
When it comes to baking chicken tenderloins, there are different methods you can use to ensure that your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and delicious. Here are five foolproof ways to bake chicken tenderloins:
1. High Heat for Quick Cooking
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper and place the chicken tenderloins on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method is best for boneless and skinless chicken tenderloins as it allows for quick cooking while keeping them juicy and tender.
2. Low Heat for Slow Cooking
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the chicken tenderloins in a baking dish with 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method is best for bone-in chicken tenderloins as it allows for slower cooking and helps to retain moisture.
3. Brine to Keep Moisture
Brining chicken tenderloins before baking will help to keep them moist and flavorful. Combine ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 quart of water in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add the chicken tenderloins and brine for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Rinse the chicken before baking using any of the previous methods mentioned.
4. Marinate for Extra Flavor
Marinating chicken tenderloins before baking is an excellent way to add more flavor to the meat. Combine 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or your preferred oil, 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs or spices, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade and refrigerate overnight or for at least 30 minutes before baking. Bake using any of the previous methods mentioned.
5. Broil for Crispy Skin
Broiling your chicken tenderloins at the end of baking is an excellent way to achieve a crispy and golden-brown skin. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Bake your chicken tenderloins using any of the previous methods mentioned but for only 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the oven, turn the oven to broil, and broil for 1-2 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Baking Chicken Tenderloins for Beginners
If you’re new to baking chicken tenderloins, follow these simple steps to get you started:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- 2. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
- 3. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper per pound of chicken.
- 4. Arrange the chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet or dish, leaving space in between each piece.
- 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For more flavorful chicken tenderloins, try marinating or brining them before baking using any of the methods mentioned above.
The Ultimate Guide to Baking Chicken Tenderloins: Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you perfect your baked chicken tenderloins:
Variety of Seasoning
Try different seasoning blends on your chicken tenderloins to add variety and flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon and herb seasoning
- Garlic and rosemary seasoning
- Smoked paprika and cumin seasoning
- BBQ rub seasoning
- Taco seasoning
Texture
If you prefer a crispy texture, use the broiling method mentioned above or sprinkle the chicken with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. For a lighter texture, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch before baking.
Crispy Skin
To achieve crispy skin, use the broiling method mentioned above, or brush the chicken tenderloins with butter or oil before baking. If using skin-on chicken tenderloins, pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning and baking.
How to Spice up Your Baked Chicken Tenderloins
If you’re tired of plain chicken tenderloins, try adding different flavors with marinades and spice blends. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Garlic and Herb Baked Chicken Tenderloins
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
5. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
6. Arrange the chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet or dish, leaving space in between each piece.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Healthy and Delicious: Baked Chicken Tenderloin Recipes You Need to Try
Here are a few healthy and easy baked chicken tenderloin recipes to try:
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Tenderloins
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.
5. Arrange the chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Asian Sesame Baked Chicken Tenderloins
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced ginger, sesame seeds, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.
5. Arrange the chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Meal Prep Made Easy: Baking Chicken Tenderloins for the Week Ahead
Baked chicken tenderloins are perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Bake a large batch of chicken tenderloins at once and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat the chicken in the microwave, in a skillet, or in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
- Use different seasoning blends or marinades for variety throughout the week.
- Pair your chicken tenderloins with a variety of healthy side dishes for a balanced meal.
For storage, consider using meal prep containers that will keep your chicken tenderloins fresh and easy to reheat. You can find these online or in stores. For reheating, simply microwave, reheat in the oven, or sauté in a skillet with some olive oil until heated through.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Tenderloins: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair well with baked chicken tenderloins:
Roasted Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Try broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Toss with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, minced parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Sweet Potato Fries
Peel sweet potatoes and cut them into thin fries. Toss with olive oil, salt, and paprika. Roast them in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and tender.
Crispy Green Salad
Toss mixed greens with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado. Top with crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese. Dress with your favorite vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned five foolproof ways to bake perfectly juicy chicken tenderloins, a detailed step-by-step tutorial for beginners, tips and tricks for optimal seasoning, texture and crispy skin, as well as a variety of healthy and delicious baked chicken tenderloin recipes, you can enjoy chicken tenderloins any day of the week. Meal prep made easy with provided storage and reheating tips along with a list of side dishes complementing your meal could really change your eating game.
