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.
Every home cook should have chicken tenderloins on hand because they are quick, easy, and can be used in a lot of different ways. These tender strips of chicken breast cook up very quickly but stay very juicy and tasty. But if you want to cook chicken tenderloins perfectly, you need to follow the right steps. One of the most common questions is how long to cook chicken tenderloins at 375°F. Keep reading for a full guide on how to always get them tender and juicy.
Understanding Chicken Tenderloins
Before diving into exact cook times, it’s helpful to understand what exactly chicken tenderloins are and what makes them unique. Chicken tenderloins are elongated strips of muscle located underneath the chicken breast. Sometimes referred to as chicken tenders or inner fillets they connect the breast meat to the keel bone.
Compared to a chicken breast, tenderloins have a thinner, more uniform shape. They also contain less connective tissue, making them inherently tender and quick cooking Their leanness means they can easily dry out if overcooked. However, with the right prep and cook time, chicken tenderloins deliver a tender, moist texture perfect for everything from simple weeknight meals to upscale entrees
The Benefits of Cooking at 375°F
Cooking chicken tenderloins at 375°F offers the ideal balance of developing flavorful browning on the exterior while thoroughly cooking the inside without drying it out. Here are some of the benefits of using this temperature:
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Browning – The higher heat promotes the Maillard reaction, leading to golden browning and more complex, roasted flavors.
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Faster cooking – 375°F decreases total cook time compared to lower temperatures, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
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Moist interior – The high heat quickly seals in moisture before it can escape from the tenderloins.
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Food safety – Reaching an internal temperature of 165°F ensures any potential bacteria are killed.
Cook Times for Fresh vs. Frozen
If you use fresh or frozen chicken tenderloins, the cooking times will be different. Here are some guidelines:
Fresh Chicken Tenderloins
- 1/2 inch thick: Cook 15-18 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick: Cook 18-22 minutes
- 1 inch thick: Cook 20-25 minutes
Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
- 1/2 inch thick: Cook 22-28 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick: Cook 25-32 minutes
- 1 inch thick: Cook 30-35 minutes
No matter which you use, always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety. The thickest part of the tenderloin should reach 165°F.
Proper Prep for Best Results
Before cooking, here are some easy steps you can take to make sure your chicken tenderloins come out juicy and tasty:
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Pat dry – Blot tenderloins with paper towels to remove excess moisture that can inhibit browning.
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Season generously – Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and other spices to add flavor.
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Coat lightly in oil – A light brushing of oil helps promote even browning.
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Use a rimmed baking sheet – This prevents juices from dripping off and smoking.
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Don’t overcrowd – Allow space between each tenderloin for air circulation.
Cook to Proper Internal Temperature
The only way to reliably determine doneness for chicken tenderloins is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Check the temperature by inserting the probe into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding bone or fat.
For food safety, chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F, as measured in multiple spots. The tenderloins should be firm with no pink color remaining when pierced. If undercooked, return to the oven for a few more minutes until 165°F is reached.
Resting and Carryover Cooking
After removing chicken tenderloins from the oven, allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is important for two reasons:
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Carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature around 5-10°F.
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Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat rather than leaking out when sliced.
After resting, the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about chicken tenderloins is how versatile they are. Here are just a few serving ideas:
- Chicken sandwiches or wraps
- Salad toppers
- Tacos or fajitas
- Pasta dishes
- Skewers or kabobs
- Stir fries or noodle bowls
Get creative with flavors by using various marinades and spice rubs. Chicken tenderloins truly shine when paired with bright, acidic ingredients like citrus, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and chili peppers.
Common Questions
Can you overcook chicken tenderloins at 375°F?
Yes, it’s possible to overcook tenderloins at this temperature if cooked well beyond the recommended cook times. Always rely on a thermometer for doneness rather than time alone.
Do you need to flip chicken tenderloins while cooking?
Flipping halfway through is optional, but not strictly necessary. The high heat will thoroughly cook both sides as long as the minimum internal temperature is reached.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenderloins at 375°F?
Yes, adjusting cook times slightly longer will allow frozen tenderloins to cook through fully at 375°F. Just be sure to check temperature.
What temperature should chicken tenderloins be when done?
Chicken tenderloins are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If undercooked, return to oven until 165°F is reached.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Tenderloins
Cooking chicken tenderloins at 375°F results in a crispy browned exterior while keeping the inside incredibly moist and tender. With the proper prep and cook times based on thickness, you can achieve delicious, fool-proof results every time. Just be sure to always rely on an instant-read thermometer to guarantee safety and prevent overcooking. In no time, you’ll be making these quick and easy tenderloins like a pro.
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 to Serve Baked Chicken Tenderloins
There are a lot of different ways to serve baked chicken tenderloins, so they can be used for any meal, from light lunches to hearty dinners. They are the perfect protein to go with a wide range of sides, sauces, and foods because they have a mild flavor and are soft.
- Traditional Sides: For a warm, home-style meal, serve chicken tenderloins with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and gravy. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and other roasted vegetables go well with this dish.
- Over Salads: Fresh salads taste great with sliced baked tenderloins on top of them. You can put them on a Caesar salad, a Greek salad with feta and olives, or a southwest salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.
- To make a quick lunch, put tenderloins, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing in a warm tortilla and wrap it up like a sandwich or wrap. On a toasted bun with melted cheese, pickles, and your favorite sauces, they also make a great sandwich.
- With Pasta or Grains: Baked tenderloins taste great with pesto linguine, creamy Alfredo pasta, or rice bowls with stir-fried vegetables. Quinoa or couscous also work well as a hearty base.
- Wraps and Tacos: Tenderloins can be sliced or chopped and put on tacos with salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese. You can also wrap beans, rice, and vegetables in a big tortilla to make a burrito.
- In Meal Prep: Chicken tenderloins are great for making meals for the whole week. Put them in containers with brown rice and roasted vegetables for lunches or dinners you can eat on the go all week.
Whether keeping things simple or going bold with flavors, baked chicken tenderloins are a flexible, delicious way to build your meal around lean protein.