This delicious Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders recipe is prepared using chicken tenders, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. This crispy baked chicken tenders recipe is a great dinner option that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
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Shop on Food52Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders (about 12 larger tenders strips, more if smaller)
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup (1.7 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
How To Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
- Prepare Oven and Rack: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Move the oven rack up one level from the center. Spray a large oven-safe cooling rack with non-stick spray and place it over an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.
- Set Up Coating Dishes: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle the olive oil over the panko mixture and mix well until evenly coated.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken: Begin by dipping two chicken tenders at a time into the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Next, dip them into the whisked eggs. Finally, coat them in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Shake off any excess coating.
- Arrange on Rack: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared cooling rack, ensuring there is space between each tender for even cooking. Repeat this process until all chicken tenders are coated.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet with the cooling rack and chicken tenders in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the tenders are golden brown. If the tenders are browning too quickly, cover them lightly with foil.
- Add Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. If desired, sprinkle them with minced fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, marinara, ranch, pesto, or BBQ sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Add some lemon zest: For a burst of freshness, mix lemon zest into the panko mixture. This adds a subtle citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken tenders are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Marinate for extra flavor: For more flavorful tenders, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour before coating. This helps to tenderize and add depth of flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture. This gives the chicken tenders a nice spicy kick without being overwhelming.
What To Serve With Breaded Chicken Tenders
Serve your crispy baked breaded chicken tenders with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, quinoa salad, avocado corn salsa, and truffle mac and cheese.
You can also pair them with a side of spicy coleslaw or a warm spinach and bacon salad for extra flavor.
How To Store Breaded Chicken Tender Leftovers
To Refrigerate: Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep them fresh.
To Freeze: Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How To Reheat Breaded Chicken Tender Leftovers
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
In The Microwave: Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders. Cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to tenders for even cooking. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?
You can use regular bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed crackers as a substitute for panko bread crumbs. These alternatives will provide a different texture but will still give you a crispy coating. Ensure they are finely crushed for the best results.
Do I need to flip the chicken tenders while baking?
No, you do not need to flip the chicken tenders while baking. Using a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the tenders. This method ensures they cook evenly and become crispy without the need for flipping.
Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 323
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 139mg
- Sodium: 418mg
- Potassium: 640mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 38g
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
- Pioneer Woman No Peek Chicken
- Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti
Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Description
This delicious Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders recipe is prepared using chicken tenders, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. This crispy baked chicken tenders recipe is a great dinner option that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Ingredients
How To Bake Breaded Chicken Tenders In The Oven
- Prepare Oven and Rack: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Move the oven rack up one level from the center. Spray a large oven-safe cooling rack with non-stick spray and place it over an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet.
- Set Up Coating Dishes: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Drizzle the olive oil over the panko mixture and mix well until evenly coated.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken: Begin by dipping two chicken tenders at a time into the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Next, dip them into the whisked eggs. Finally, coat them in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Shake off any excess coating.
- Arrange on Rack: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared cooling rack, ensuring there is space between each tender for even cooking. Repeat this process until all chicken tenders are coated.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet with the cooling rack and chicken tenders in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the tenders are golden brown. If the tenders are browning too quickly, cover them lightly with foil.
- Add Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. If desired, sprinkle them with minced fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, marinara, ranch, pesto, or BBQ sauce.