These Cheddar Cheese Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy and cheesy, making them a delicious option for any meal. Baked to golden perfection, these tenders are easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders: The main protein, tender and perfect for coating.
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the coating.
- 1 cup (120 g) bread crumbs: Provides a crispy texture to the tenders.
- 2 eggs: Used to help the cheese and bread crumbs stick to the chicken.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
- Step 2:
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully coated. This helps the coating stick well to the chicken.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. This mixture will create a crispy and cheesy coating for the chicken.
- Step 4:
- Roll each egg-coated chicken tender in the cheddar and bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken.
- Step 5:
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Step 6:
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Cheddar Cheese Chicken Tenders hot and fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Pair them with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Helpful Notes
- For added flavor, you can mix in some garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning into the bread crumb mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the bread crumb mixture.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you're feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers for the week.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture in your breading."
- Chef Ina Garten: "For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs."
- Chef Rachael Ray: "Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to make this recipe your own."