Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe are crispy, juicy and easy to make at home. These chicken tenders are baked instead of fried, so they feel lighter but still crunchy.
Pioneer Woman baked breaded chicken tenders are perfect for lunch, dinner or snacks. The golden breadcrumb coating tastes savory and delicious. Kids and adults both enjoy this comforting chicken recipe.
You only need simple pantry ingredients and a baking sheet. Serve these crispy tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
My Experience With This Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe
I first made these baked chicken tenders for a family movie night. Everyone loved the crispy texture and juicy chicken inside. The recipe felt easy and stress-free.
I enjoy that the tenders bake in the oven instead of frying in oil. The kitchen stays cleaner and the chicken still tastes crunchy and flavorful. Now I make them often for quick dinners.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wire rack
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top for extra crispy chicken tenders.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all seasonings are evenly combined.
3. Whisk the Eggs
Crack eggs into another bowl and add milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture first. Then coat completely with seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks evenly on all sides.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack. Leave small spaces between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for crispiness.
6. Bake the Chicken
Bake the tenders for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. The coating should look golden brown and crispy when finished.
7. Check for Doneness
Cut into one tender carefully to check the center. The chicken should look white and juicy inside with no pink remaining in the middle.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven carefully. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ketchup, ranch dressing or honey mustard dipping sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture.
- Spray the chicken lightly with oil before baking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Use a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 670 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These baked chicken tenders taste wonderful with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce or honey mustard. They also pair nicely with crispy fries or roasted vegetables.
You can slice them and add them to wraps or salads for an easy meal. These tenders work great for lunchboxes, game nights or family dinners. Serve them hot for the best crispy texture and juicy flavor.
Best Sides To Serve With
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Sweet potato fries
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days. Let the chicken cool before storing.
To reheat, place the tenders in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible because the breading may turn soft.
You can also freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.

Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top for extra crispy chicken tenders.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all seasonings are evenly combined.
Whisk the Eggs
- Crack eggs into another bowl and add milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken.
Coat the Chicken Tenders
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture first. Then coat completely with seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks evenly on all sides.
Arrange on the Baking Sheet
- Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack. Leave small spaces between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for crispiness.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake the tenders for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. The coating should look golden brown and crispy when finished.
Check for Doneness
- Cut into one tender carefully to check the center. The chicken should look white and juicy inside with no pink remaining in the middle.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven carefully. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ketchup, ranch dressing or honey mustard dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture.
- Spray the chicken lightly with oil before baking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Use a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can slice boneless chicken breasts into strips easily. Try cutting equal sizes so the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy during baking.
How do I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?
Using a wire rack helps hot air move around the chicken evenly. Spraying the breaded tenders lightly with oil also creates a crispier golden coating.
Can I prepare the tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken several hours earlier. Keep the tenders covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake fresh in the oven.
What dipping sauces taste best with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce and spicy mayo all pair wonderfully with crispy baked chicken tenders. Each sauce adds extra flavor and richness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Make sure all seasonings and Parmesan cheese are also certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman baked breaded chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful and simple to prepare. The oven-baked method keeps the chicken juicy while creating a crunchy coating.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners or casual gatherings. The ingredients are easy to find and the instructions are beginner-friendly.
You can serve these tenders with sauces, fries or fresh salads. Once you try this homemade chicken recipe, it may become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.

















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