5-Ingredient Baked Chicken Tenderloins That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

5-Ingredient Baked Chicken Tenderloins That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

If you are looking for a weeknight dinner that is incredibly easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this baked chicken tenderloin recipe is exactly what you need. With just five simple ingredients and one glass casserole dish, you will have a juicy, cheesy, buttery chicken dinner on the table in no time. This is the kind of meal that becomes a permanent fixture in your weekly rotation because it is that good.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no long ingredient lists, and almost no cleanup. Just layer everything into your dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The butter melts down into the chicken as it bakes, keeping it incredibly moist, while the cheese and seasonings create a golden, flavorful crust that is absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds raw chicken tenderloins
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet Italian seasoning or garlic herb seasoning blend (about 1 to 2 tablespoons)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a glass casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the raw chicken tenderloins in a single even layer across the bottom of the casserole dish, making sure they are spread out as much as possible.
3. Sprinkle the Italian or garlic herb seasoning evenly over all of the chicken pieces, coating them generously for maximum flavor.
4. Scatter the shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese over the top of the seasoned chicken, covering as much of the surface as possible.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shredded cheese layer for an added nutty, savory depth of flavor.
6. Distribute the small cubes of butter evenly across the top of the dish, spacing them out so that the butter melts and bastes the entire dish as it bakes.
7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up all of those incredible pan juices. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a wonderful complement as well. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash or a simple garden salad works perfectly alongside these tender, cheesy chicken strips.

Tips for the Best Results

Make sure your chicken tenderloins are as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly throughout. If some pieces are significantly larger than others, you may want to gently flatten them slightly with your palm before placing them in the dish. Using a glass casserole dish is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and allows the butter to baste the chicken from the bottom up as it cooks. Do not skip the resting time after baking, as this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for the most tender and flavorful result possible.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a low oven to keep the chicken moist. The leftovers also make a fantastic filling for wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes the next day, making this recipe a true gift that keeps on giving.