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Cheddar Cheese Chicken Tenders are that go-to weeknight meal when you want something cheesy, satisfying, and effortless to throw together. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have these chicken tenders baked up golden crisp and the whole family hovering in the kitchen.
This recipe quickly became our midweek lifesaver when schedules felt impossible. The best part is that the cheese not only brings flavor but binds the crispy coat so perfectly.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: fresh and lean chicken is important for maximum tenderness always look for pieces with no added solution or coloring
- Cheddar cheese: shredded from a block gives maximum flavor and melts into the crumb coat pick sharp or medium cheddar for best taste
- Bread crumbs: classic or use panko for a crunchier coating always opt for fresh plain crumbs and read the label for lower sodium if desired
- Eggs: help bind the cheesy coating so it sticks to each chicken tender use large fresh eggs for the best result
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or about 200 degrees Celsius Make sure it is fully hot for the best crisp finish on the tenders
- Coat the Chicken:
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl then beat until smooth Dip each chicken tender into the egg bath turning to coat every side This is what makes the coating hold tight
- Mix the Crumb and Cheese Coating:
- In a separate shallow dish combine the shredded cheddar and bread crumbs Mix them together evenly Some cheese will stick to the bread and that is perfect
- Crust the Tenders:
- Lift each egg coated tender from the bowl and place it straight into the cheesy crumb mixture Press down gently Turn each tender so all sides get covered and the cheese and crumbs really stick on
- Arrange for Baking:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly Place the coated chicken tenders spaced out so they do not touch each other This prevents steaming and helps the cheese get crispy
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven Bake for about twenty minutes or until the outside is deep golden and crunchy and the inside is cooked through You can check with a thermometer that reads one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part
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Cheddar cheese has always been my favorite in this recipe for its sharpness and melt factor The way it crisps up in the oven reminds me of family movie nights when everyone was ready to snag the crispiest bite first
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat use a hot oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for around ten minutes The coating gets crispy again and the chicken stays juicy Never microwave if you want to keep the crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out cheddar for another favorite cheese try Monterey Jack or Colby Pepper Jack adds a little heat If you only have chicken breasts slice them into strips and use in place of tenders For gluten free bread crumbs look in the specialty foods aisle as they work perfectly in this recipe
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders are begging to be dipped in ranch barbecue sauce or honey mustard Pair them with fries a crunchy green salad or even tucked into wraps for lunch the next day My kids enjoy them with sweet potato mash and a little extra shredded cheese sprinkled on top
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Cultural and Recipe Context
Baked chicken tenders like these have been a family favorite since the rise of after school snack culture in the eighties Cheese in the coating is a twist from American comfort food traditions that gives a big flavor boost without any frying mess
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the coating crispy and golden?
Dipping the chicken tenders in beaten eggs helps the cheese and bread crumb mixture stick, and baking at 400°F ensures a crispy, golden crust without frying.
- → Can I add extra seasoning to the coating?
Yes, spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper can be mixed into the bread crumb and cheddar coating for more flavor.
- → What dipping sauces work well with these tenders?
Ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauces complement the cheesy, crispy tenders beautifully.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
- → Can other cheeses be used in place of cheddar?
Absolutely, experimenting with cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can add different flavor profiles and textures.