Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

I’ve never met a family who doesn’t go wild for my Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders!

These tender strips of chicken are perfectly seasoned, baked until juicy, and slathered with tangy barbecue sauce.

You’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together on busy weeknights, making dinner stress a thing of the past.

Why These Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders Are a Family Favorite

My family requests these BBQ chicken tenders at least twice a month, and for good reason!

They’re incredibly juicy on the inside with that perfect sticky-sweet BBQ coating. The oven does all the work while you tackle other things.

Plus, they’re much healthier than fried versions but still deliver that comfort food satisfaction that makes everyone smile around my dinner table.

This Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders recipe always brings a smile to my face, just like my Fresh Tzatziki Chicken Salad and Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers.

Ingredients You Need for Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

• 2 pounds chicken tenders (fresh works best, but thawed frozen ones are fine too)
• 3 tablespoons oil (I use extra virgin olive oil, but any cooking oil works)
• 1½ tablespoons paprika (adds gorgeous color and mild sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (my secret for depth without fresh garlic prep)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste preference)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand—I prefer something with a balance of sweet and tangy)

Tip: If you like a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your spice mix!

How to Make Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a 2-quart casserole dish and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken: Place your chicken tenders in a large ziplock bag and add the oil. Seal the bag and massage the oil into the chicken until evenly coated. Add paprika, garlic powder, and salt to the bag. Massage again so all the tenders are coated with the spice mixture.
3. Arrange in baking dish: Transfer everything from the bag into your prepared casserole dish, spreading the tenders out in a single layer.
4. First bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The initial baking allows the chicken to cook partially and the seasonings to infuse into the meat.
5. Add BBQ sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Brush each tender generously with BBQ sauce on both sides.
6. Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the BBQ sauce has caramelized slightly.
7. Rest before serving: Allow the tenders to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and allows the flavors to settle.

Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders

I’ve made these tenders countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way! For extra juicy chicken, don’t skip the resting time after baking.

The bag method for seasoning ensures even coating without dirtying extra dishes (a win in my kitchen!).

For a caramelized finish, I sometimes brush on a second layer of BBQ sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

My kids actually prefer when I serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, look for a low-sugar BBQ sauce—it works beautifully with the spice rub.

How long do you barbecue chicken tenders?

When baking BBQ chicken tenders in the oven, I find that a total of 30-35 minutes at 375°F works perfectly.

I bake them for 20 minutes first to cook the chicken, then add BBQ sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes to get that perfect sticky finish.

Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

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How do you keep chicken tenders from getting tough?

My number one trick for tender chicken is not overcooking it. I always use a meat thermometer to check when my tenders reach 165°F.

The oil coating before seasoning adds moisture, and the two-stage cooking process helps lock in juices.

Finally, I never skip the 5-10 minute rest time before serving—it makes a huge difference in juiciness!

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Should I put barbecue sauce on chicken before grilling?

For my baked BBQ chicken tenders, I add the sauce halfway through cooking rather than at the beginning. Barbecue sauce contains sugars that can burn if applied too early.

By adding it after the chicken has partially cooked, you get that perfect sticky glaze without any bitter burnt spots.

This same principle applies to grilling—add your sauce in the final 10-15 minutes.

How to cook barbecue chicken tenders in the oven?

My favorite method is this two-stage process: Season the chicken with oil and spices, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

This method gives you perfectly cooked chicken with a delicious BBQ glaze that isn’t burnt. The casserole dish keeps everything moist and makes cleanup easy.

Serving Suggestions

In my house, these BBQ chicken tenders are so versatile! My kids love them alongside mac and cheese or buttery mashed potatoes.

My husband and I often place them on top of a crisp garden salad for a lighter dinner option. For a full family meal, I serve them with sweet corn on the cob and roasted green beans.

For casual gatherings, I cut them into bite-sized pieces, provide toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce, and they disappear faster than I can set down the plate!