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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light spray of cooking oil.
- 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.
- Arrange three separate preparation stations: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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