Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful cheese and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help with browning.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder, gooey result.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• To make this gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Make sure to thaw them completely before breading and baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I serve with cheesy baked chicken tenders?

These tenders pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy fries for a balanced meal.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 337 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders recipe features tender strips of chicken coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, these chicken tenders offer a delicious, healthier alternative to fried versions without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Egg Wash

• 2 eggs

Other

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the coating mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and cheeses.
3. Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and well combined, which will help the coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge in the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating on all sides. Place each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Apply cooking spray: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
6. Bake the chicken tenders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, flip the chicken tenders halfway through baking and lightly spray the other side with cooking spray.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for crispier results.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

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