Chicken tenderloins are one of the most versatile and convenient cuts of chicken you can cook. Whether youre meal prepping for the week, whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, or experimenting with new flavors, chicken tenderloins can be your best friend in the kitchen. But one of the most common questions home cooks ask is: How long to bake chicken tenderloins? This guide will explore everything you need to know about baking chicken tenderloins, from cook times and temperatures to flavor tips and storage. Lets get you baking perfectly juicy, flavorful tenderloins every single time.
Chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders or chicken strips, are a delicious and kid-friendly staple that can be enjoyed by the whole family. When baking these tasty morsels in the oven, proper timing is key to achieving the ideal texture – crispy and golden brown on the outside while moist and juicy on the inside. With the right time and temperature, it’s easy to make mouthwatering baked chicken fingers.
Factors That Affect Chicken Finger Bake Times
Several factors impact the baking time for chicken fingers, including:
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Size and thickness – Thicker and larger chicken strips take longer to cook through Thinner tenders bake faster
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Breading – Breaded chicken fingers take a bit longer than unbreaded. The coating insulates the chicken slowing down cooking.
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Oven temperature – Higher heat decreases bake time. Chicken bakes faster at 400°F vs 350°F.
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Size—It takes longer to bake a big batch than a small one. More chicken raises humidity in the oven, increasing time.
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Arrangement – Evenly spaced tenders bake quicker than overcrowded. Allow space for air flow.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless tenders cook faster than bone-in cuts. Bones act as insulators.
Average Chicken Finger Bake Times
The typical baking time for boneless, skinless chicken tenders at 375°F is 15-18 minutes for unbreaded fingers and 18-22 minutes for breaded fingers. Thicker strips may take up to 25 minutes.
To make sure the food is safe, chicken should always be cooked to 165°F on the inside. If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Here are estimated baking times for chicken fingers based on preparation method:
- Unbreaded, 1⁄2-inch thick – 15-18 minutes
- Breaded, 1⁄2-inch thick – 18-22 minutes
- Unbreaded, 3⁄4-inch thick – 20-22 minutes
- Breaded, 3⁄4-inch thick – 22-25 minutes
At higher temperatures like 400°F, baking time can be reduced by 3-5 minutes. For best results, flip the fingers halfway through for even cooking.
How to Know When Chicken Fingers Are Done
It’s important not to undercook chicken which can lead to foodborne illness. Here are some ways to test for doneness:
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Internal temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. It should reach 165°F.
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Color – Look for an evenly golden brown exterior.
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Texture – Fully cooked chicken will be firm when pierced.
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Juices – Cut into a tender and check juices run clear not pink.
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Coating – Breaded fingers will have a crispy, crunchy breading when finished.
Take the chicken out of the oven when it reaches 165°F and shows these signs. During the resting time, the inside will finish cooking to 170°F. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken Fingers
Follow these handy tips for bake-off worthy chicken fingers every time:
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Pat chicken dry before breading for maximum adherence.
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Use light, even coats of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs when breading.
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Chill breaded fingers 20-30 minutes before baking for crisper coating.
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Grease baking sheet or use parchment paper for easy release.
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Arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.
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Flip halfway through baking for golden brown crust all over.
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Brush with oil or nonstick spray for enhanced browning and crunch.
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Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juiciest interior.
Recommended Bake Times for Popular Chicken Finger Recipes
One great thing about chicken fingers is that they can be used in a lot of different ways. You can just bread and bake them, or you can add fun flavors to them. Here are some guides for how long to bake some popular chicken finger recipes:
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Classic Breaded – 20-22 minutes
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Buffalo Chicken – 18-20 minutes
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Ranch Chicken – 20-22 minutes
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Honey Mustard Chicken – 20-22 minutes
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Parmesan Chicken – 18-20 minutes
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Southwest Chicken – 18-20 minutes
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BBQ Chicken – 18-20 minutes
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Teriyaki Chicken – 20-22 minutes
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Lemon Pepper Chicken – 18-20 minutes
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Cajun Chicken – 18-20 minutes
Bake times may vary slightly based on the recipe’s coating thickness. Refer to recipe instructions as a guide too.
Perfectly baked chicken fingers are a savory treat that both kids and adults love. Allow 15-25 minutes of bake time depending on size, thickness, breading, oven temperature, and other factors. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches the FDA recommended 165°F internal temperature. For best results, flip fingers midway and let rest before serving. With the proper timing, you’ll enjoy tender and juicy chicken fingers with a deliciously crispy exterior.
Easy Recipe: Oven-Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Heres a simple recipe for juicy, flavorful chicken tenderloins:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne for heat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place parchment paper or a little oil on a baking sheet and set it aside.
- Toss the chicken tenderloins in a bowl with the spices and olive oil until they are well covered.
- Place in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure theyve reached 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenderloins
The time it takes to bake chicken tenderloins depends on a few factors:
- The oven temperature
- The size and thickness of the tenderloins
- Whether they are fresh or frozen
- Whether they are breaded or plain
- Baking Fresh (Unbreaded) Chicken Tenderloins
- Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
- This is the perfect temperature for tenderloins that are juicy, well-cooked, and have a little browning on the outside. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat is 165°F (74°C) inside.
- You can also bake them at:
- 375°F (190°C): 20-25 minutes
- 425°F (220°C): 12-15 minutes (watch closely to avoid overcooking)
If the tenderloins are breaded, like with panko, flour, or store-bought frozen tenders, they will need more time to get crispy.
- Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
- If you’re not using a wire rack, flip the food over halfway through to make sure it crisps up evenly.
Forgot to thaw? No problem.
- Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- There’s no need to thaw, but you’ll need 5–10 minutes more time than with fresh. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Easy Baked Chicken Fingers | The Frugal Chef
FAQ
How long should chicken tenders be cooked at 400 degrees?
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, beat together egg whites, water and lemon peel. In another small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake about 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (165°F), turning once halfway through baking.
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.
How long do chicken fingers take in the oven?
How Long to Bake Chicken Tenders. If you heat your oven to 450 degrees F and follow this recipe, you’ll have perfectly baked chicken tenders in less than 20 minutes. When the chicken tenderloins are done, the juices will run clear and an instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.
Do you bake chicken at 375 or 400?
Key Takeaways400°F is the best temperature. The shorter it takes for a chicken to cook, the juicier it will be inside. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overcooked.