Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering masterpiece with these Crispy Cheddar Chicken Tenders that are guaranteed to become your new obsession! Imagine perfectly golden, cheese-crusted chicken that's crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This recipe is about to turn your kitchen into the hottest restaurant in town, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes for breading: In the first dish, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated tender in the cheddar-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the cheese and breadcrumbs stick firmly to the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tender to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the chicken to retain its juices.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and help the coating stick better.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tender some breathing room to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crunch, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking to help the breading get golden brown.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add some herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
