Description
Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth baked chicken tenders featuring a foolproof seasoning mix, quick sear, and oven-baked finish for a healthier comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts, trimmed and pounded to even thickness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Trim or pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- Brush seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken tender.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear chicken tenders 3 minutes per side without moving to form a golden crust.
- Whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard; pour around (not over) chicken in skillet.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15–18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes; spoon pan juices over chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. For extra crispy edges, broil 1–2 minutes after baking. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating if desired. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg