No-Fail Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s baked breaded chicken tenders unlock a world of delectable comfort without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

These golden-brown delights promise restaurant-quality crunch straight from your oven.

Simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering meal that sparks excitement around the dinner table.

Panko breadcrumbs work culinary magic, creating an irresistibly crisp exterior that seals in succulent chicken.

Minimal prep meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable feasts.

Each tender delivers a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Love About Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Select fresh, uniform-sized tenders for consistent cooking.
• Salt: Choose fine sea salt for even seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor punch.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for smoother coating.
• Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better binding.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Pick crispy, light Japanese-style crumbs for extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for richer, more intense taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Select high-quality blend for authentic herbal notes.
• Paprika: Choose sweet or smoked variety for depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Look for pure, non-clumping powder.

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for subtle, rich undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves.
• Dipping Sauces: Honey Mustard, Marinara, Ranch, Pesto, BBQ Sauce: Select high-quality, complementary flavors for enhanced enjoyment.

Tools You’ll Need for Making Baked Chicken Tenders

• Large baking sheet (18 x 13 inches): Provides even cooking surface.
• Cooling rack: Helps chicken stay crispy by allowing air circulation.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to rack.
• 3 shallow dishes: Perfect for creating coating stations.
• Whisk: Helps blend eggs smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning amounts.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure panko and flour accurately.
• Meat thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Aluminum foil: Optional cover to prevent over-browning.
• Sharp knife: For checking chicken doneness if needed.
• Tongs: Great for handling chicken during coating and transferring.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Heat your oven to a sizzling 425°F and slide the rack just above the center. Grab a cooling rack and baking sheet, giving the rack a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Magical Coating Stations

Line up three bowls: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the last with a zesty blend of panko crumbs, Parmesan, Italian herbs, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle some olive oil into the panko mix and give it a good stir.

• Transform Chicken Tenders

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, getting them ready for their crispy adventure. Dip two tenders at a time – first into flour, then egg wash, and finally roll them in the seasoned panko coating. Press gently to help those delicious crumbs cling tight.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared rack, leaving some breathing room between each piece. Slide into the hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and hit 165°F internally. If they’re browning too quickly, just tent with foil.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your crispy chicken tenders and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Grab your favorite dipping sauces – whether it’s tangy honey mustard, classic marinara, creamy ranch, zesty pesto, or smoky BBQ – and dig in!

Tips & Twists for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tenders

• Boost Crispiness Tricks: Press panko crumbs firmly onto chicken tenders to create an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and delivers incredible texture.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace chicken tenders with turkey strips, pork cutlets, or even fish fillets for a delightful protein variation that keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Customize Seasoning Blends: Experiment with different spice combinations like Cajun seasoning, ranch powder, or smoked paprika to transform the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breaded chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning and stress-free cooking.

Serving Ideas for Pioneer Woman’s Baked Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement these crispy chicken tenders with a vibrant garden salad or roasted vegetable medley for a balanced meal that adds nutrition and color to your plate.
• Create a Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Arrange multiple dipping sauces in small ramekins, letting everyone customize their flavor experience with honey mustard, ranch, marinara, or tangy BBQ sauce.
• Transform into Game Day Feast: Serve these golden tenders on a large platter with fries, coleslaw, and an assortment of dipping sauces for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports events or casual gatherings.
• Make Mealtime Fun for Kids: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces and arrange them playfully on the plate, encouraging children to enjoy a protein-packed meal with their favorite sauce for dipping.

Storing and Reheating Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tenders

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store leftover baked chicken tenders in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Crispy coating stays best when consumed within the first two days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Restore crispiness by warming tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a batch of chicken tenders ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners. Freeze uncooked breaded tenders between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: When ready to cook frozen tenders, add 5-7 minutes to the original baking time. Place directly from freezer to preheated oven without thawing for best texture and flavor.

Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy breaded chicken tenders from the Pioneer Woman blend Southern comfort with simple ingredients. Quick preparation and golden-brown coating guarantee delicious results you’ll enjoy on family dinner nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken tenders
• 1 ⅓ cups panko bread crumbs
• ⅔ cup (1.7 oz / 48 g) parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Position oven rack in upper-middle section and preheat to 425°F. Coat wire cooling rack with non-stick spray and place over baking sheet.
2. Breading Station: Establish three seasoning zones – flour, whisked eggs, and panko mixture. Mix panko with parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle olive oil and blend thoroughly to create crisp coating.
3. Chicken Seasoning: Season chicken tenders generously with kosher salt and black pepper across both surfaces, ensuring complete flavor penetration.
4. Coating Process: Systematically dredge tenders through flour, ensuring complete coverage. Immerse in egg wash, then meticulously roll in seasoned panko mixture. Press breadcrumbs firmly to create uniform, adherent exterior. Gently tap to remove excess breading.
5. Baking Configuration: Arrange coated tenders on prepared rack, maintaining strategic spacing to facilitate even browning and crisp texture.
6. Roasting Technique: Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until reaching 165°F. Watch for golden-brown exterior, using aluminum foil tenting if browning accelerates too quickly.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside preferred dipping sauces like honey mustard, marinara, ranch, pesto, or barbecue.

Notes

Master Breading Technique: Ensure each chicken tender receives a complete, even coating by gently pressing breadcrumbs and tapping off excess for maximum crispiness.

Rack Placement Matters: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating evenly crisp chicken tenders without soggy bottoms.

Temperature Precision: Cook chicken until internal temperature hits exactly 165°F to guarantee food safety without drying out the meat.

Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different seasoning combinations in the panko mixture – try smoked paprika, cayenne, or herbs to transform the basic recipe into a personal signature dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg