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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.
Table of Contents
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.
Yes, chicken thighs will work, they will just have a slightly different texture and may cook a bit quicker.
Yes! I have stovetop and oven instructions as well. However the best texture is always the air fryer since they aren’t fried.
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
If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here.
Naked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1-1.25 lb chicken breast , *see notes
- 1½ Tbsp corn starch, *see notes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, *see notes
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp Everything But The Bagel Seasoning , *see notes
- ¼ tbs olive oil , *see notes
Instructions
- 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.
- Add oil and chicken breasts to the bowl and mix really well so the chicken breasts are evenly coated.
- 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.
- Let them cool a bit and serve with dipping sauce of choice (BBQ, ketchup, honey mustard, ranch and so on.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love these! Such a great healthy alternative to deep fried chicken tenders!
ALWAYS #1 with her recipes!
BAILEY! OMG these were sooooo so good! Great idea.
Good lord these are good!!!!
Just made these after seeing on Instagram. Really really good. Made the honey mustard too paired perfect.
These were really good
The combo of these spices on the chicken are incredible! Highly recommend you give them a try!
These are SO good!! Such a great idea. Great for a weeknight dinner… Delicious!!
Glad you enjoyed them! We eat them often, they are a fave.
In your Notes you say for a crispier texture ad “1/3 cornstarch”. What does that mean? Thanks – this looks delicious.
Hi Ellen!
Sorry for the confusion, I use 1/4 – 1/3 cup of cornstarch instead of the listed amount, then make the tenders the same way. They end up with a crispier, thicker batter on them.
They were delicious
Can I freeze them?
Any side suggestions?
Hi Fareha! So glad you enjoyed these. Yes you can freeze these for up to 2 months in an airtight ziplock. You will need to be careful not to overcook them when reheating. I typically do it in the air fryer on 350º for about 5 minutes. As for sides, you can find my suggestions within post under “Recipe Pairings” My favorite is a kale salad or spicy mac & cheese. Enjoy!
These tenders are absolutely amazing, I have now made them like 5 times ! SIMPLE, quick and delicious, what more can you ask for. I tell everyone I know to try them.
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed these! They are one of our absolute favorites so it means a lot 🙂 xo0xo – Bailey
I honestly wasn’t sure about these but they are amazing! Glad I took a chance because I think there’ll be a new favorite! Pinned to make again!
Hi Kels!!I am so happy to hear this! Thanks for the feedback. xo
Magnificently simple and delicious. For extra pleasure added brown rice and Bangkok peanut sauce for dipping. This is my first with Arrowroot, thank you for this wonderful life lesson.