Baking chicken tenderloins in the oven is a simple and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal. These lean cuts of chicken are packed with protein and are a great source of nutrients.
In this article, we’ll go over the basics of baking chicken tenderloins in the oven, including the best temperature to use and how long to bake them. We’ll also provide some tips for keeping the chicken tenderloins moist and flavorful, and offer a simple recipe for oven-baked chicken tenderloins.
More Cooking Time Information:
- How Long To Bake Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) In The Oven
- How Long To Bake Chicken Breast In The Oven
- How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken In The Oven At 375
The Best Temp To Bake Chicken Tenderloins In The Oven
The best temperature to bake chicken tenderloins in the oven is 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This temperature allows the tenderloins to cook through evenly and ensures that the inside is fully cooked while the outside is crispy and flavorful.

The Differences Between The Temperatures
The temperature of the oven can significantly affect the doneness and texture of baked chicken tenderloins. Here are a few key things to consider:
- 350°F: Baking chicken tenderloins at this temperature will result in a slower, more even cook, which can lead to a more tender and juicy finished product. However, the baking time will be longer, so you’ll need to be patient and allow the tenderloins to cook for a longer period of time.
- 375°F: This is a good middle-of-the-road temperature that can provide a good balance of quick cooking and even doneness. The tenderloins should cook through evenly and result in a tender and flavorful finished product.
- 400°F: Baking chicken tenderloins at this temperature will result in a quicker cook time, which can be beneficial if you’re in a rush. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the tenderloins to make sure they don’t overcook or burn, as the higher heat can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside.
- 425°F: Baking chicken tenderloins at this temperature will result in an even quicker cook time, which can be beneficial if you’re in a rush. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the tenderloins to make sure they don’t overcook or burn, as the higher heat can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside.
- 450°F: Baking chicken tenderloins at this temperature will result in an even quicker cook time and a crispy, golden brown exterior. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the tenderloins to make sure they don’t overcook or burn, as the higher heat can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside.
How Long To Bake Chicken Tenderloins In The Oven
Here’s a table with information on how long to bake chicken tenderloins in the oven at different temperatures(350, 375, 400, 425 and 450):
Oven Temperature(°F) | Baking Time |
---|---|
350°F | 30-35 minutes |
375°F | 25-30 minutes |
400°F | 20-25 minutes |
425°F | 15-20 minutes |
450°F | 12-15 minutes |
Note: This Cooking Time for boneless, marinated, and BBQ chicken tenderloin Too.
How Long To Bake Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
Here’s a table with information on how long to bake frozen chicken tenderloins in the oven, with the temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit:
Oven Temperature (°F) | Baking Time |
---|---|
350°F | 45-50 minutes |
375°F | 40-45 minutes |
400°F | 35-40 minutes |
425°F | 30-35 minutes |
450°F | 25-30 minutes |
Note: It’s not recommended to bake frozen chicken tenderloins without thawing them first, as this can result in an uneven cook and potentially lead to foodborne illness.
How To Thaw Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
There are a few different ways to thaw frozen chicken tenderloins:

How Long To Bake Breaded Chicken Tenderloins
In general, breaded chicken tenderloins will take 5-10 minutes longer to bake for than unbreaded ones because the breading adds an extra layer that needs to be cooked. The breading also acts as insulation, which can slow down the cooking process.
Here’s a table with information on how long to bake breaded chicken tenderloins in the oven at different temperatures:
Oven Temperature | Baking Time |
---|---|
350°F | 35-40 minutes |
375°F | 30-35 minutes |
400°F | 25-30 minutes |
425°F | 20-25 minutes |
450°F | 15-20 minutes |
How Do You Know When Chicken Tenderloins Are Done
There are a few different ways to determine when chicken tenderloins are done:
Should I Cover Chicken Tenderloin In The Oven
Most of the time, chicken tenderloins don’t need to be covered when they’re in the oven. In fact, leaving the tenderloins out in the open can help them get a crispy, caramelized outside.
But if you’re worried about the tenderloins drying out or cooking too quickly, you can cover them with foil for the first half of the baking time and then take the foil off for the second half. This can help the tenderloins stay moist and keep them from getting too done.
Is It Better To Bake Chicken Tenderloins On Parchment Paper Or Foil?
Both parchment paper and aluminum foil can be used to bake chicken tenderloins in the oven. Here are some points to consider when deciding which one to use:
- Parchment paper: It’s a good choice for baking chicken tenderloins because it helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and makes it easy to clean up afterwards. Parchment paper can also help the chicken brown more evenly, as it prevents the chicken from coming into direct contact with the pan.
- Aluminum foil: It’s a good choice if you want to keep the chicken tenderloins moist, as it can help seal in the juices. Just be aware that aluminum foil can cause the chicken to brown more quickly, which may result in a shorter baking time.

How Do I Keep Chicken Tenderloin From Drying Out
Here are a few tips for keeping chicken tenderloins from drying out:
How Long To Bake Chicken Tenderloins In The Oven
1. Preheat the oven
It’s important to preheat the oven before baking the chicken tenderloins. This will help ensure that the tenderloins cook evenly and at the proper temperature.
2. Use a baking sheet or baking dish
Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to help prevent the chicken tenderloins from sticking. This will also make it easier to clean up after baking.
3. Season the tenderloins
To add flavor to the chicken tenderloins, season them with a mixture of herbs, spices, and salt before baking. You can also coat them with a marinade or rub to add additional flavor.
To help ensure that the chicken tenderloins cook evenly, flip them halfway through the baking time. This will allow both sides of the tenderloins to be exposed to the heat of the oven.
5. Let the chicken rest
After baking, allow the chicken tenderloins to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This will help them retain their moisture and stay tender.

How To Store Baked Chicken Tenderloin
To store chicken tenderloins in the refrigerator:
To store chicken tenderloins in the freezer:
- Place the tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag or wrap to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Label the bag or wrap with the date and type of chicken.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenderloins in the freezer.
- Use the chicken tenderloins within 3-4 months.
Here is a simple recipe To Understand How To bake Chicken Tenderloin Perctly: