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.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Chicken Seasoning: Season chicken tenders generously with kosher salt and black pepper across both surfaces, ensuring complete flavor penetration.
- 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.
- Baking Configuration: Arrange coated tenders on prepared rack, maintaining strategic spacing to facilitate even browning and crisp texture.
- 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.
- 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