Name: Baked Chicken Tenderloins (Easy, Juicy, and Ready in 20 Minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ((diced))

Jump to Recipe

These easy baked chicken tenderloins are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hands-off dinner. This oven recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just 20 minutes or less!

If you love quick chicken recipes, you’ll want to try my stovetop chicken tenderloins recipe for a golden sear or my air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe for an even faster option.

Juicy baked chicken tenderloins seasoned to perfection side by side in a baking dish.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox.
Plus you’ll get delicious new recipes each week!

Table of Contents show

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy - Ready in just 20 minutes or less!
No breading - This recipe uses simple pantry seasonings to add flavor without any extra breading.
Juicy and Tender - Quickly cooked in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit which keeps them juicy and tender.
Perfect for meal prep - Bake these ahead of time for an easy meal prep.

Baked chicken tenderloins in baked juices on light gray baking sheet.

Equipment Needed:

9 by 13 Baking Dish
Tongs

Ingredients (Full recipe located in recipe card below):

Baked chicken tenderloins recipe ingredients in various dishes on a white marble surface: chicken tenderloins, butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, and onion powder.

Chicken Tenderloins - Naturally tender and cooks quickly in the oven. I use organic chicken tenderloins.
Salt and Pepper - Enhances all the flavors.
Garlic Powder - Adds a savory garlic flavor.
Onion Powder - Adds a savory onion flavor that rounds out the flavors.
Smoked Paprika - Provides a subtle smoky flavor.
Italian Seasoning - Feel free to use your favorite herb seasoning blend.
Olive Oil - Helps lock in the juiciness and flavor.
Butter - Adds flavor and juiciness.

Want to switch up the flavor? Try using my homemade Cajun seasoning for a bold spicy twist.

How To Bake Chicken Tenderloins:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

"400 F" being displayed in a white digital font on a black oven pane.

To a medium mixing bowl, add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian Seasoning. Stir until well blended.

Olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a silver mixing bowl.

Olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder blended together to make an olive oil seasoning mixture in a silver mixing bowl.

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel.

Chicken tenderloins in a green container being patted dry with a paper towel.

Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl with the olive oil seasoning mixture. Toss until well coated.

Chicken tenderloins added to a silver mixing bowl containing an olive oil seasoning mixture.

Chicken tenderloins well coated with an olive oil seasoning mixture in a silver mixing bowl.

Add the chicken tenderloins to the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle butter pieces on top.

Chicken tenderloins coated in an olive oil seasoning mixture and arranged in a single layer in a light gray baking dish.

Chicken tenderloins coated in an olive oil seasoning mixture topped with pieces of butter and arranged in a single layer in a light gray baking dish.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You may have to bake them longer for thicker chicken tenderloins or a shorter time for thinner ones.

Chicken tenderloins perfectly seasoned and baked in a single layer in a light gray baking dish.

How Long To Bake Chicken Tenderloins:

If you’re baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, (recommended for juicy, tender results), your baked chicken tenderloins will be ready in about 15 to 18 minutes.
If you prefer to cook the at a slightly lower temperature like 375 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll take a little longer, around 18 to 22 minutes.
No matter which temperature you use, the chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Tenderloins:

Serve these with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of easy frozen green beans on the stove. They also pair well with mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. You can even slice them up and add them to salads or wraps for an easy meal.

If you're looking for another easy chicken option, this simple air fryer chicken breast recipe is just as quick and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Seasoned and baked chicken tenderloins in glistening juices on light gray baking sheet.

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Storage:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to two months.

Reheat:

To reheat in oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken tenderloins on a sheet pan and heat 8 to 10 minutes.
To reheat in air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until warm throughout.

Pro Tips:

Don’t over bake. Use a food thermometer for perfect doneness.
Cook chicken until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after baking.
Bake in a single layer. Do not overlap.

Baked Chicken Tenderloins (Easy, Juicy, and Ready in 20 Minutes)