Simple Oven Chicken Tenderloins with Olive Oil | Easy Weeknight Dinner

This easy recipe for simple oven chicken tenderloins with olive oil brings out the natural flavor of lean chicken while locking in moisture and tenderness. It’s the kind of no-fuss meal you can prepare with minimal ingredients and still impress everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a protein base for wraps, bowls, and salads, this method ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

With just a handful of spices and a good drizzle of olive oil, these tenderloins bake up juicy and flavorful in under 25 minutes. The simplicity of this method makes it an ideal choice for beginner cooks, busy families, or anyone looking for an easy way to make healthy chicken that doesn’t dry out in the oven.

If you’ve been searching for chicken tender dinner ideas that are healthy, fast, and tasty, you’ll want to save this one in your rotation. This article will walk you through everything you need, from the ingredients and cooking steps to serving ideas, variations, and expert tips.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tender Recipe

If you’ve ever struggled to find a reliable way to bake chicken that turns out moist, this method will quickly become a favorite. Here are a few reasons why these oven chicken tenderloins with olive oil are so popular:

• Made with basic pantry ingredients you already have on hand
• Quick prep and cook time, ready in 25 minutes
• Great for batch cooking and reheating later in the week
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved flavor
• No breading or frying, just clean, simple seasoning

This recipe avoids the mess of dredging or frying while still giving you golden edges and a juicy interior. Whether you’re eating clean or building a customizable meal, these chicken strips check every box for convenience and flavor.

Ingredients for Simple Oven Chicken Tenderloins

These are all the ingredients you need to make flavorful and juicy oven-baked chicken tenderloins. Each item plays an important role in creating a balanced seasoning blend that highlights the chicken without overpowering it.

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins, trimmed and tendon removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for subtle warmth and color
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt for balanced seasoning
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for a mild kick
• Optional: ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning for herby flavor
• Optional: zest of ½ lemon for brightness

Using olive oil in this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also helps lock in moisture and prevents sticking. These ingredients are easy to find, and the combination delivers reliable results without added sugars or complicated steps.

Try to use fresh, bright spices and high-quality olive oil for the best results. If your tenderloins are larger or smaller than average, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.

How to Make Oven Chicken Tenderloins with Olive Oil

Cooking chicken tenderloins in the oven is straightforward and fast. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, juicy results every time.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the chicken by patting each piece dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and spices stick better and promotes browning.
3. Season the tenderloins by placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer with space between each piece. Do not overlap or overcrowd, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If you enjoy easy tray bakes, you’ll love this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake as a full meal that pairs perfectly with this recipe’s simplicity.

Serving Ideas for Olive Oil Chicken Tenders

These oven-baked chicken tenderloins are as versatile as they are flavorful. Here are several serving ideas to turn them into a complete meal:

• Over mashed potatoes or rice with roasted vegetables
• Sliced on top of a Caesar salad or Greek pasta salad
• Stuffed in pita pockets or wraps with lettuce and sauce
• Chopped into quesadillas or burrito bowls with beans and cheese
• Served with honey mustard, BBQ, or yogurt dips for finger-food nights

They also go well with sheet pan vegetables, air-fried potatoes, couscous, or pasta dishes. You can serve them warm or chilled, which makes them great for lunchboxes or summer salads. For dinner, pair with sautéed green beans, garlic asparagus, or seasoned corn.

Chicken Tenderloins Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a flexible base, and you can change it up based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some easy ways to adjust or enhance your oven-baked chicken tenderloins:

• Spicy Option: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat
• Herb Blend: Use fresh rosemary or thyme for a more earthy flavor
• BBQ Style: Brush with BBQ sauce in the final 5 minutes for a glaze
• Low Sodium: Reduce added salt and season with lemon and herbs
• Breaded: Lightly coat in seasoned panko before baking for a crunchy version

You can also marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before baking for added flavor. This makes a great prep-ahead option and intensifies the seasoning blend.

Storage and Reheating for Chicken Tenderloins

Once cooked, these chicken tenderloins store well and are great for prepping ahead.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to avoid steam buildup.

To reheat:

• Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes until warmed through
• Microwave: Use medium heat and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying

If the chicken seems dry after reheating, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil or add a splash of broth before warming.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Tenderloins

These small adjustments can help you achieve juicy, flavorful chicken tenderloins every time you bake them.

• Dry the chicken before seasoning to help the oil and spices adhere better
• Use a digital thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat
• Leave space between pieces on the baking sheet so heat circulates evenly
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking

Making sure the chicken is trimmed and free of tough tendons also improves the texture. If you prep large batches, season in a zip-top bag for easy coating and cleanup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken Tenders in Oven

Even simple recipes can go wrong with small oversights. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the tenderloins can lead to dry, tough meat
• Skipping the oil reduces browning and can cause sticking
• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge can affect even cooking
• Crowding the pan traps steam and prevents caramelization
• Not checking temperature results in guesswork instead of precision

Avoid adding too much seasoning or layering ingredients heavily, which can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Stick to the basics and rely on a thermometer to guide you.

Conclusion: Why This Simple Oven Chicken Tenderloins Recipe Works

When you need a no-fail recipe for chicken that works every time, this oven method using olive oil gives you consistent results without fuss. It’s flavorful, quick, and fits into any weeknight dinner plan or meal prep routine. With minimal prep and clean-up, this chicken tender idea is one you’ll return to over and over again.

If this recipe helped solve what to do with chicken tenders in your fridge, go ahead and pin it for later or share it with someone who needs a dinner idea tonight.

FAQs About Simple Oven Chicken Tenderloins with Olive Oil

How do you keep simple oven chicken tenderloins with olive oil from drying out?

Bake them at the right temperature, do not overcook, and always let them rest before slicing. Using olive oil helps retain moisture during cooking.

Can I bake chicken tenderloins with just olive oil and seasonings?

Yes, olive oil and spices like garlic powder and paprika are enough to create juicy and flavorful chicken without any breading or marinades.

What temperature and time is best for oven chicken tenderloins?

Bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Are chicken tenderloins the same as chicken strips?

Chicken tenderloins are the actual tender cut beneath the chicken breast, while chicken strips are typically sliced from the breast itself. Both work well in this recipe.

What should I serve with chicken tenderloins baked in the oven?

Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or sliced into salads and wraps. They are highly versatile and pair well with many sides.

Simple Oven Chicken Tenderloins with Olive Oil | Easy Weeknight Dinner

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Oven Baked