Crispy, cheesy perfection meets tender chicken in this crowd-pleasing recipe for Chicken Strips with Cheddar. These golden chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful crust of breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The combination of shallow frying and baking ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and juicy inside. Ready in just 35 minutes, these cheddar-packed chicken strips are ideal for busy weeknights, game-day snacking, or feeding a hungry crowd. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces—think ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard—for an irresistible meal or appetizer that’s sure to impress. Perfect for fans of cheesy chicken recipes, this dish will become a family favorite!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Cut the chicken breasts into thin, even strips—roughly 1 inch wide.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, making sure it's well coated, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumb and cheddar mixture. Ensure each strip is well-coated with the breadcrumbs and cheese.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in batches, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove and place them on a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Transfer the browned chicken strips to the prepared baking sheet, placing them in a single layer.
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Calories |
2762 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.0 g | 156% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.4 g | 202% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 821 mg | 274% | |
| Sodium | 6057 mg | 263% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 224.6 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 199.2 g | 398% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1003 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 478 mg | 10% | |
*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.