Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked chicken tenders coated in a garlic-herb crust, perfect for weeknight dinners and picky eaters. This kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Kid Friendly cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chicken tenders in a shallow dish, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper — toss until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, brush with 1 tbsp olive oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through with no pink inside.
  3. Step 3: Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garcia's Simple Chicken Tenders?

Kid Friendly kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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