Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe That Kids Adore

Crispy chicken tenders dancing with bacon and cheddar promise a mouthwatering adventure that will make your taste buds sing.

These golden-brown delights pack a punch of savory flavor in every single bite.

The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar creates a irresistible harmony that’s hard to resist.

Each piece promises a delectable crunch that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these chicken tenders elevate weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dig in.

Prepare to experience a crowd-pleasing dish that turns an everyday meal into a celebration of flavor.

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders That Win Hearts

• Loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, these chicken tenders pack a serious punch of savory goodness that elevates the classic breaded chicken.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy coating and cheesy bacon combination, transforming an ordinary chicken dinner into something special.
• Swap ingredients or serve with different dipping sauces to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for any mealtime.

The Must-Have Ingredients For Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that serves as the main component of the dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a crunchy exterior.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Crumbled Bacon: Add rich, savory flavor and extra texture to the chicken coating.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken tenders.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Flour: Helps the egg coating adhere to the chicken and creates a base layer for the breadcrumb mixture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
• Cooking Spray: Assists in achieving a golden and crispy exterior during baking.

Gear Up For Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken tenders evenly and collecting any drips.
• Shallow Bowls (3): Perfect for dredging chicken in flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for consistent seasoning and coating.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Helps blend eggs and mix dry ingredients smoothly.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures crispy, golden exterior of chicken tenders.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helps handle and transfer coated chicken tenders without mess.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms chicken is safely cooked to 165F (74C).

Steps To Crunchy, Juicy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until well blended, creating a mouthwatering coating.

Step 3: Set Up Dredging Stations

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Prepared cheddar-bacon breadcrumb mixture

Step 4: Coat Chicken Tenders

• Dust completely in flour, shaking off excess
• Dunk into beaten eggs
• Roll thoroughly in cheddar-bacon breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating

Step 5: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Carefully place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them turn golden and crisp.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C) for safe eating.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Savvy Moves For Perfect Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Ensure chicken tenders are completely coated with breadcrumb mixture by gently pressing the coating to help it stick firmly.
• Use thick-cut bacon and crumble it finely for maximum flavor and even distribution across the chicken tenders.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat tenders.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo to complement the rich cheddar and bacon flavors.

Flavor Spins For Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crispy Tenders: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Greek-Inspired Tender Variation: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, mix in dried oregano and parsley, coat with crushed pita chips for Mediterranean flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, use low-carb cheese like parmesan, and ensure bacon is sugar-free.

Serving Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders With Style

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange chicken tenders on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside crispy roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Casual Game Night Snack: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces and pair with cold beer or refreshing sodas, perfect for munching during sports events or movie marathons.
• Lunch Box Superhero: Pack cooled tenders in lunch containers with small sauce containers for a delicious midday meal that will make coworkers and kids jealous of your awesome lunch.

Storing Chicken Tenders So They Stay Delicious

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to crisp up.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, parmesan, or swiss cheese for similar crispy results.

• Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.

• How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?

Ensure you press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and lightly spray with cooking spray before baking to achieve maximum crispiness.

• Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar bacon chicken tenders deliver a flavor explosion of crispy, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that keeps friends and family coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooked bacon, crumbled

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light spray of cooking oil.
2. Craft a savory coating by combining panko breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, garlic and onion powders, salt, and black pepper in a shallow mixing vessel.
3. Arrange three separate preparation stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
4. Transform each chicken tender by first dusting with flour, ensuring excess falls away, then dunking into egg wash, and finally enrobing completely in the cheddar-bacon crumb blend, gently pressing to secure the coating.
5. Carefully arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece. Mist the surface lightly with cooking spray to encourage golden, crispy edges.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C), ensuring thorough cooking.
7. Allow the tenders to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then serve alongside your preferred dipping sauce for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Customize breadcrumb coating by using gluten-free panko for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these crispy chicken tenders.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium bacon and cutting back on added salt, making the dish heart-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Boost nutritional value by adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the breadcrumb mixture, introducing extra vitamins and fresh taste.
• Achieve maximum crispiness by placing chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even, crunchy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg