Easy Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s baked breaded chicken tenders bring comfort and crunch to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Restaurant-quality results await you without deep-frying or complicated techniques.

Crispy exterior and tender meat combine in a crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these tenders come together with basic pantry staples.

Panko breadcrumbs guarantee a golden, crunchy coating that stays perfectly crisp after baking.

Each bite delivers a satisfying texture that rivals traditional fried versions while remaining lighter and healthier.

Simple seasonings elevate these chicken tenders from ordinary to extraordinary, making them irresistible for both kids and adults: prepare to become the dinner hero.

What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders So Crispy

• Crunch-Packed Delight: These baked chicken tenders deliver an incredible crispy texture that rivals deep-fried versions without the extra grease, giving you a satisfying crunch in every single bite.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: The combination of parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder creates a robust seasoning blend that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that's impossible to resist.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy weeknight dinners, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and maximum taste satisfaction.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for family dinners, kid-friendly meals, game day snacks, or casual gatherings, these chicken tenders can be dressed up with multiple dipping sauces to suit every palate and occasion.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein cut that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Flour: Primary coating layer that helps eggs and breadcrumbs stick to chicken.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a crunchy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides classic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Paprika: Adds mild pepper flavor and beautiful golden color to breading.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, aromatic garlic flavor throughout coating.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken tenders.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumb mixture become more golden and crisp during baking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of chicken and coating.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Bright green garnish that adds fresh visual appeal and light herbal note.

• Honey Mustard, Marinara, Ranch, Pesto, BBQ Sauce: Complementary dipping sauces that enhance chicken's flavor.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Position the oven rack one level up from the center. Spray a large cooling rack with non-stick spray and place it over an 18 x 13-inch baking sheet.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs
• Third dish: Panko bread crumb mixture with Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, Paprika, Garlic powder

Drizzle olive oil over the panko mixture and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken tenders.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

• Dip 2 tenders at a time in flour
• Dunk into whisked eggs
• Roll in panko mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick

Shake off excess coating.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Rack

Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared cooling rack. Leave space between tenders for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Tenders are golden brown

Tip: Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Honey mustard
• Marinara
• Ranch
• Pesto
• BBQ sauce

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Zest Up Breading: Sprinkle lemon zest into panko for a surprising citrus pop that brightens the entire dish.
• Check Internal Temperature: Insert meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F without overcooking.
• Buttermilk Bath Boost: Soak chicken strips in buttermilk for one hour to create tender, richly flavored meat before breading.
• Spice Secret: Blend cayenne pepper into breadcrumbs for a gentle heat that tingles taste buds without scorching mouths.
• Customize Crunch: Mix different herbs or spices into panko coating to transform basic chicken tenders into a personalized meal that excites the palate.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Meal Prep Container: Divide cooked chicken tenders into portion-sized containers with tight-sealing lids. Strategically layer tenders with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking and maintain crispy breading texture. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal flavor and quality.
• Freezer Storage Strategy: Spread cooled chicken tenders on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring zero contact between pieces. Flash freeze for 30 minutes until completely solid, then transfer to heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste. Label bags with date and contents, storing for maximum 2 months.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Kick Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for a fiery flavor profile that brings heat to every bite.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Tenders: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend, add dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese to the breadcrumb coating for a Greek-inspired version.
• Coconut Crunch Chicken Tenders: Swap panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts, mix in a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and tropical coating that delivers incredible crunch.
• Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders: Mix powdered ranch seasoning directly into the breadcrumb mixture, creating a tangy and herbal coating that transforms the classic chicken tender into a zesty experience.

Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders become culinary masterpieces through simple techniques and strategic layering of flavor profiles.

Pioneer Woman’s method elevates home cooking with professional-grade results.

Crispy exteriors promise restaurant-quality texture without complicated preparations.

Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan create golden, crunchy coatings that seal in succulent chicken moisture.

Seasoned breading transforms ordinary ingredients into memorable meal experiences.

Passionate cooks discover delightful satisfaction when plate presentation matches incredible taste – garnish with parsley, select favorite sauce, and savor pure comfort on your dinner table.

Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Breaded chicken tenders from Pioneer Woman offer a crispy, golden-brown delight packed with irresistible flavor. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection, these tenders will make you the hero of family dinner with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenders

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups panko bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (1.7 ounces / 48 grams) finely shredded parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the upper-middle section and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Coat a large wire cooling rack with non-stick spray and position it over an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.
2. Create three separate shallow dishes: first for flour, second for whisked eggs, and third for seasoned panko mixture. In the panko dish, blend breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and thoroughly incorporate.
3. Generously season chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both surfaces.
4. Individually dredge chicken tenders through flour, ensuring complete and even coverage. Dip each floured tender into whisked eggs, then carefully roll in seasoned panko mixture. Press breadcrumbs gently to create a consistent, adherent coating. Gently tap to remove excess breading.
5. Arrange coated chicken tenders on prepared wire rack, maintaining space between each piece to promote uniform cooking and crispy texture.
6. Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Tenders should develop a golden-brown exterior. If browning occurs too rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
7. Remove from oven and optionally garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Accompany with preferred dipping sauces like honey mustard, marinara, ranch, pesto, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

• Master crispy techniques that turn ordinary chicken into extraordinary dinner magic.
• Baking rack transforms ordinary cooking into professional-level culinary experience.
• Panko breadcrumbs create extraordinary crunch impossible with standard breading.
• Parmesan cheese delivers secret weapon for maximum flavor and perfect coating adherence.
• Customize seasoning profiles to match your family’s unique taste preferences.
• Quick preparation ensures delicious meal without complicated kitchen marathon.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg