Cheddar Chicken Tenders
Crispy, cheesy perfection comes together in these irresistible Cheddar Chicken Tenders, a family-friendly favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful blend of sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic and paprika for a savory punch. Baked to golden brown perfection in just 20 minutes, these tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with cheesy goodness without the need for frying. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they pair beautifully with classic dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking oil.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the eggs (lightly beaten), and one for a mixture of breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-cheddar mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
Drizzle the chicken tenders with the cooking oil to help them crisp up while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
594 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.0 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 168 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1113 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 254 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 360 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
