Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful cheese and breadcrumb mixture that everyone will love.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs until combined.
3. Step 3: In another shallow bowl, mix the shredded cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt evenly.
4. Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick.
5. Step 5: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy tenders, spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• If you prefer, substitute mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor and gooey texture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, simply cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

These Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option, combining crispy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan with melted cheddar cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a kids’ favorite, baked to golden perfection without the need for frying.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Egg Wash and Seasonings

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the coating mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth to create the egg wash for coating the chicken.
4. Coat the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press the coating onto the tender to help it adhere well.
5. Add cheddar cheese topping: Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each piece to add a cheesy layer as it bakes.
6. Bake the chicken tenders: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they are safe to eat.
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. These pair wonderfully with dipping sauces or a fresh salad.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Feel free to add herbs like oregano or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a different flavor profile.
• These can be made with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: cheesy baked chicken tenders, chicken recipe, baked chicken, crispy chicken tenders, cheddar chicken