How to Cook BBQ Chicken Tenderloins in the Oven (Juicy, Easy & Delicious)

When you want BBQ flavor but don’t feel like stepping outside to grill, oven-baked BBQ chicken tenderloins are the perfect solution.

These small, juicy strips of chicken cook fast, absorb flavor well, and turn out tender every time, no grill required.

Let’s walk through exactly how to cook BBQ chicken tenderloins in the oven for a meal that’s smoky, sweet, and finger-licking good.

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What Are Chicken Tenderloins?

Chicken tenderloins come from the underside of the breast, a lean, soft strip of meat that’s naturally tender.

Because they’re smaller than chicken breasts, they cook quicker and are perfect for weeknight dinners.

The key to getting them right is not overcooking.

Since they’re lean, they can dry out fast.

That’s where the BBQ sauce helps, it adds moisture, flavor, and that sticky, caramelized coating everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken tenderloins:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy, your choice)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Optional: a little brown sugar or honey for extra caramelization.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook BBQ Chicken Tenderloins in the Oven

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C).

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it.

This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes cleanup easier.

Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

This simple mix enhances the BBQ flavor and gives the chicken a nice base layer of seasoning.

Add the BBQ Sauce

Pour about half the BBQ sauce into the bowl and toss the tenderloins until evenly coated.

Save the rest for brushing later, that’s how you’ll get that glossy, saucy finish.

Bake the Tenderloins

Place the tenderloins in a single layer on your baking sheet.

Bake for 8 minutes, then flip and brush on more BBQ sauce. 

Continue baking for another 7–10 minutes.

Check the internal temperature, it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

👉 A great way to avoid overcooking is by keeping a meat temperature guide magnet near your oven or grill.

The Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet helps you quickly check safe temperatures for chicken, beef, pork, and more, so you never second-guess your cook time.

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Caramelize the Sauce

For that sticky BBQ texture, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Keep a close eye, the sugars in the sauce can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

When done, the tenderloins should be slightly charred at the edges and coated in thick, shiny sauce.

Let Them Rest

Let your chicken tenderloins rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping every bite tender.

If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them later without losing their juiciness.

For a step-by-step method, check out How to Reheat Cooked Chicken in Oven Without Drying It Out, it’s a quick guide to bringing leftover chicken back to life.

Serving Ideas

You can serve oven-baked BBQ chicken tenderloins with:

• Cornbread or baked beans for a Southern-style meal

• A side of coleslaw for crunch

• Roasted veggies or corn on the cob for a lighter option

If you like to meal prep, these reheat beautifully and taste great even cold for next-day wraps or salads.

If you ever wonder the best timing for warming up BBQ leftovers, visit Discover How Long Should You Reheat BBQ Chicken In Oven to make sure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Perfect Oven BBQ Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing doneness. It’s the difference between juicy and dry chicken.

• Don’t skip the flip: Turning them halfway ensures even cooking and sauce coverage.

• Add a smoky note: A dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika gives your chicken that “grilled” flavor, even from the oven.

Clean-Up Made Easy

If you decide to finish your tenderloins on a grill next time, keeping your grates clean is key.

After grilling, you can use the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper, a safe, bristle-free tool that shapes to your grill grates naturally. 

It’s a cleaner, safer way to maintain your grill without metal bristles.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to cook BBQ chicken tenderloins in the oven means you can enjoy that smoky-sweet taste all year long, no grill needed.

With a few pantry staples, a good BBQ sauce, and the right temperature, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes.

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