5 Secret Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Name: 5 Secret Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving); Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

By anna Boncoeur On September 18, 2025

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If you are searching for truly Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins that actually taste amazing and aren’t dry hockey pucks, stop looking right now. Hi, I’m Anna! I’m just a passionate food lover who believes that everyday cooking should be easy and joyful, especially when it comes to weeknight dinners.

I have spent years perfecting simple, flavorful chicken recipes like this one. Forget complicated breading or hours of marinating; this recipe is designed for speed and maximum protein payoff. We’re talking about perfectly moist chicken with a light, savory crust, ready faster than you can decide what to stream next.

This method for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins has become my go-to for busy nights. It proves you don’t need a deep fryer or a ton of ingredients to get that satisfying, tender bite every single time. Trust me, these are going to be your new weeknight staple!

Table Of content

Why You Need These Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Honestly, chicken tenderloins get a bad rap. People assume they dry out the second they hit the oven, but that just means they haven’t tried my method yet! These are the answer to your weeknight dilemma. They are incredibly tender because of a few simple tricks we use, and that light spice crust gives you all the flavor without any heavy breading.

Why should you make these tonight instead of ordering takeout? Because they are fast, filling, and foolproof. They truly deliver on being a high-protein powerhouse meal in record time.

They come out unbelievably tender—seriously, no chewing required!
Total time is under 30 minutes from start to finish.
They pack a big flavor punch using pantry spices.
Perfect for meal prepping or serving straight from the oven.

Quick Prep for Busy Schedules

If you’re staring down a long evening with zero patience left, this recipe is your friend. We are only spending about 10 minutes on the prep work here. That means you can mix up the spices, oil the chicken, and get everything into the oven before you’ve even decided what show to watch! It’s the definition of quick weeknight dinner success.

Ingredient Checklist for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Okay, let’s talk about what you need. This recipe uses simple stuff you probably already have sitting in your spice cabinet, which is part of why it’s so fast! We are using about a pound and a half of tenderloins here, which feeds four of us nicely. Remember, the secret to getting that great crust and keeping the inside moist starts before anything hits the oven—you absolutely must pat those chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Don’t skip that step, please!

When measuring your spices, try to be precise with these amounts so you get that perfect savory crust. We are using smoked paprika for color and depth. For the garnish, chopped fresh parsley is my preference because it adds a bright lift at the end, but if you don’t have it, just skip it! Here is exactly what you need for this batch of Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins:

Ingredients for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken tenderloins	1 ½ pounds
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Dried thyme	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)	As needed
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)	As needed

Equipment Needed for Perfect Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

You don’t need a million gadgets for this recipe, which is another reason why it’s so great for quick meals! Having the right tools makes sure your Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins cook evenly and come off the pan without any fuss. We rely on just a few basics to get that perfect texture and reliable internal temperature reading.

Essential Tools

A rimmed baking sheet (so those little spice bits don’t burn on the bottom of your oven!)
Parchment paper—this is non-negotiable for easy cleanup!
One large bowl for tossing the chicken and one small bowl for the spices.
An instant-read thermometer. Seriously, this is the only way to guarantee juicy, safe chicken every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Now for the fun part! Getting these Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins on the table is surprisingly quick once you get into the rhythm. We want to move fast here so the chicken doesn’t sit around getting lukewarm before it goes in the oven. These steps are designed to maximize flavor penetration while keeping the texture supremely moist. Follow these closely, and you’ll have a winner!

Preparing the Oven and Chicken

First things first: get your oven cranked up to 425°F. High heat is our secret weapon for getting a nice little crust without drying out the inside. While it’s heating up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. I can’t stress this enough—parchment paper saves you from scraping off burnt spice bits later! Now, grab your chicken tenderloins. Take your time here: use paper towels and pat every single piece until it is completely dry. If there’s moisture on the surface, the spices won’t stick, and the chicken will steam instead of bake.

Creating the Flavorful Coating

Grab a small bowl and mix up your seasoning blend: the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give that a good whisk around. Next, put all your dried chicken into a larger bowl. Pour the two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken first and toss it all together. You want a light sheen on every piece. Once they are oiled, sprinkle that gorgeous spice mix over the top. Toss it again, making sure every nook and cranny of the chicken is coated evenly with that savory crust mixture. It should look vibrant and ready to go!

Baking for Maximum Moisture

Transfer the seasoned tenderloins to your prepared baking sheet. The key to getting that wonderful texture is space! Lay them out in a single layer, ensuring none of the pieces are touching or overlapping. Overlapping traps steam and makes the chicken soggy. Pop the tray into the hot oven for about 16 to 18 minutes total. About halfway through—say, around the 8-minute mark—you need to flip them over so they brown nicely on both sides. Keep an eye on the time, but the real indicator is always the temperature. Pull them out when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads exactly 165°F (74°C).

Resting and Serving Your Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

This last step is crucial for truly Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins. Once they hit 165°F, take them out immediately and let them rest right on the pan for about 3 minutes. This lets all those lovely juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out onto your cutting board. After that quick rest, sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really wakes up the paprika spice. Dinner is served!

Tips for Success with Baked Chicken Tenderloins

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times now, and I’ve learned a few little secrets along the way that guarantee you get that beautiful, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside unbelievably tender. It’s all about controlling the heat and the space around the chicken. If you follow these tips, you’ll never have dry baked chicken again. Remember, we aren’t trying to dry these out; we are trying to cook them perfectly just once.

Achieving Even Cooking

The biggest mistake people make when baking anything—chicken, potatoes, cookies—is crowding the pan. When you pile those tenderloins on top of each other, they start steaming, and you end up with pale, slightly rubbery chicken instead of that lovely, spiced crust we are aiming for. I measure out my tenderloins to ensure they fit comfortably on the sheet with at least half an inch of air between each piece. This allows the hot air in your 425°F oven to circulate completely around every surface, giving you that even texture and color across the whole batch.

Safe Internal Temperature Check

Look, I know it’s tempting to just cut one open to see if it looks done, especially when you’re hungry, but please don’t rely on sight alone! The only way to guarantee that your Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins are both safe to eat and perfectly moist is by using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) internally. If you pull them out too early, they are unsafe. If you leave them in too long past 165°F, they start to seize up and dry out. That thermometer is your best friend here; trust the tool over your instincts!

Storing and Reheating Your Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

While these tenderloins are best eaten fresh out of the oven, they make fantastic leftovers for lunches throughout the week. Since these are already wonderfully juicy, we need to be careful when reheating them so we don’t accidentally dry them out. The key is gentle heat. If you are meal prepping, make sure the chicken has cooled completely before you store it, otherwise, you’ll create condensation in the container, which leads to soggy chicken.

Always store any uneaten portions in a container that seals tightly. Here is my quick guide for keeping them delicious for a few days:

Storage and Reheating Guide
Storage Method	Reheating Method	Notes
Airtight container in the refrigerator	Oven or Air Fryer (Recommended)	Reheat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the crust slightly crisp.
Airtight container in the refrigerator	Microwave (Quickest Option)	Heat in 30-second bursts on 50% power. Place a damp paper towel over the chicken to trap steam and maintain moisture.
Freezer (up to 2 months)	Thaw overnight in the fridge first.	Bake from thawed state as directed in the main recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

I get so many messages about this recipe because I think everyone is searching for that perfect, fast, healthy chicken meal! I’ve gathered up the most common questions I see pop up about making these Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins. If you’re trying to fit this into a busy schedule, these answers should help you nail it down perfectly every time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You absolutely can prep these ahead of time! I recommend seasoning the chicken and tossing it with the oil, but don’t put it on the baking sheet yet. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to cook—maybe for that quick weeknight dinner—just arrange them on the parchment paper and add about 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since they are starting slightly cool. They still come out wonderfully tender!

What is the best way to check if the chicken is done?

Listen to me: toss out the guesswork! The absolute best way to check if your chicken is done is by using an instant-read thermometer. You are looking for the center of the thickest part of the tenderloin to register 165°F (74°C). If you stick it in and it’s reading 160°F, give it another minute or two. This is the secret to not just safe chicken, but truly moist chicken.

Can I substitute the spices in this Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins recipe?

The spice blend is pretty balanced, but you can definitely play around with it! If you don’t have dried thyme, feel free to swap it out for dried oregano or a pinch of dried rosemary. They offer a slightly different earthy note but work just as well in this recipe. If you like a little kick, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. Just keep the garlic and onion powder ratios similar, as they build the base flavor for this healthy chicken dish. If you are looking for more inspiration on quick chicken meals, check out my baked lemon chicken recipe for another fast option.

What to Serve With Your Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Finding sides that are as fast and healthy as these chicken tenderloins is key to keeping the whole meal stress-free. Since the chicken is already so flavorful with the paprika and garlic, you don’t need anything complicated sitting next to it on the plate. We want sides that complement the main dish without stealing the show or adding an extra 45 minutes to your cooking time. Think quick assembly, minimal cleanup—that’s the goal for any great weeknight spread! If you need more ideas for quick dinners, you can always check out my red curry chicken in 30 minutes.

When I make these Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins, I usually lean toward something green or something starchy that can be microwaved or steamed while the chicken rests. It keeps the whole dinner balanced and high-protein.

Simple Vegetable Pairings

Steamed broccoli tossed with a tiny bit of butter and salt—takes about five minutes and pairs perfectly.
A quick green salad made with spring mix, a light vinaigrette, and maybe some sliced cucumber.
Roasted asparagus if you have an extra 10 minutes to throw it in the oven alongside the chicken for the last half of the bake time.
Quick-cooking brown rice or quinoa made in a rice cooker while you prep the seasoning.

Understanding the Nutrition in Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins

I know a lot of you are looking for filling meals that keep you on track, and that’s why I love this recipe so much. Since we aren’t using any flour or heavy breading, the fat content stays low, and the protein skyrockets! This makes it an ideal choice for anyone needing a high-protein meal without a lot of complicated ingredients. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates based on the ingredients listed, so your final count might vary a little depending on the exact cut of chicken you use. For more high-protein, low-fuss meals, consider my recipe for garlic herb chicken breast.

Estimated Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220
Fat	8g
Protein	35g

Share Your Thoughts on This Recipe

I truly hope these Juicy Baked Chicken Tenderloins become a regular fixture in your rotation! If you try them out this week, please come back and let me know what you thought. Did the spice blend hit the spot? I love hearing how you tweak things in your own kitchen. Rate the recipe below and tell me how quickly you got dinner on the table! You can also find more of my favorite quick recipes on Pinterest.