Have you ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, pondering the perfect duration for baking chicken tenders to achieve that ideal balance of succulent tenderness and a delectably crisp exterior? Is there a specific temperature that ensures both thorough cooking and a delightful golden-brown finish? What if the thickness of the chicken tenders varies—how might that influence the baking time? And while we’re at it, should we consider marinating them beforehand to enhance flavor, or would that complicate the timing further? What about the use of a meat thermometer to determine doneness—does that add an element of precision to your culinary venture? Furthermore, do the baking time and temperature vary based on whether you’re using homemade tenders or store-bought ones? These intriguing dilemmas can leave anyone in a conundrum. How exactly can one navigate these variables to serve up the most mouthwatering chicken tenders possible at your next gathering?