Naked Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer or the oven. These tenders are EASY to make, healthy and addictively good. Whip them up in about 20 minutes.

Why Make Naked Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are healthy! They aren’t greasy from deep frying, and they don’t have a batter on them adding excessive calories. They are full of flavor from a one of a kind seasoning blend and they get a nice crisp coating from the dash of corn starch.

These are made in the air fryer or oven, so there isn’t a greasy mess to after and they can be made in under 20 minutes. If you are looking for a healthy battered tender, try my boneless chicken wings, they have a batter to them.

This naked chicken tender pairs with so many great items like my Spicy Mac & Cheese. The whole family will love these, it’s my husbands favorite quick dinner.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Breast. Use your favorite chicken breast brand. Pat dry before battering with seasoning. This helps things stick to the breast.

Corn Starch. This helps to add a batter like texture to the tenders without a heavy greasy batter.

Seasoning. Onion, garlic, salt, white pepper, paprika, cayenne, mustard powder, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Breasts. You can use pre cut chicken tenders or you can use chicken thighs. Please note if using thighs the texture may vary a bit.

Corn Starch. Arrow root powder will also work well.

Seasonings. This is my favorite blend on seasoning for these tenders but you can swap out or skip one or two if needed or don’t have it on hand. The Everything But The Bagel Seasoning add a little”crunch” to the chicken that I just love. Whip up Spicy Honey Mustard for the best dunking sauce.

How To Make This Recipe

Step 1. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Cut into tender sized pieces, about 2 inches in length and width typically. In a medium bowl add cornstarch and seasoning, whisk well.

Step 2. Add oil and chicken breasts to the bowl and mix really well so the chicken breasts are evenly coated.

Step 3. Place a small piece of parchment paper in the air fryer (optional). Spritz the air fryer tray or parchment with spray, lay the chicken tenders flat across the tray. Don’t overlap the chicken tenders. Air fry on 350º for about 13-14 minutes or until the chicken is 165º internally.

*for the oven, place parchment on a cookie sheet and lay tenders flat. Bake on 375º for about 10 minutes, turn the tenders and bake on the other side for another 5-6 minutes.

Step 4. Let them cool a bit and serve with dipping sauce of choice (BBQ, ketchup, honey mustard, ranch and so on) I highly recommend dipping them in my Pesto Dressing if you want an elevated meal!

FAQs & Expert Tips.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the chicken tenders! Just be sure to check them around the times I mentioned with a thermometer. All chicken and sizes will vary.

Dunk in your favorite dipping sauce. I like to have a variety of sauces to enjoy these with, you can really dunk in anything savory.

Recipe Pairings

These naked chicken tenders are great on their own as a snack or you can pair them with my Kale Caesar Salad or my Roasted Red Pepper Kale Salad. If you want to really go all out, try these with my Spicy Mac & Cheese.

Related Recipes

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