Description
Crispy cheddar cheese chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering blend of golden breading and sharp cheese flavors. Home cooks will enjoy this simple protein dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
Cheese:
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
Binding and Coating:
- 1 cup (120 g) bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C), positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow dish, creating a smooth base for coating the chicken tenders.
- Mix shredded cheddar cheese with bread crumbs in a separate bowl, creating a textured and flavorful breading mixture.
- Dunk each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off for an even coating.
- Roll the egg-drenched tender in the cheddar-bread crumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure a complete and uniform crust.
- Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for crisp edges.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F and the exterior turns golden brown and crunchy.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry before coating to help the breading adhere perfectly and create a crispier texture.
- Swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Add extra flavor by mixing herbs like dried parsley, garlic powder, or paprika into the cheese and bread crumb coating for a more complex taste profile.
- Let chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to help the coating set and maintain maximum crunchiness when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg