Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown chicken tender that's packed with irresistible bacon and melted cheddar cheese - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience! These Baked Bacon Cheddar Chicken Tenders are not just another dinner recipe; they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the ultimate comfort food trio: juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or hosting a game-day gathering, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until well mixed. This will be used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.
- Take each chicken tender and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, place the egg-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the coating set and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the Baked Bacon Cheddar Chicken Tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard, and enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum crispiness, ensure your breadcrumb mixture is well-seasoned and press it firmly onto the chicken tenders.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Cook bacon until crisp before crumbling to add a perfect crunchy texture to the coating.
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to help the coating set and prevent burning your mouth.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or add herbs like dried parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 349kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 147mg
