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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/cheesy-baked-chicken-tenders-recipe/