Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Cheesy, and Delicious

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on the classic chicken tender recipe. These tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with the savory flavor of bacon. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Easy to prepare and bake, they make for a quick and satisfying meal. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have these delicious tenders ready in under 40 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 320 kcal, making it a balanced yet indulgent treat.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 4 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

How to Make

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. Prepare Breading Stations:

• Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken Tenders:

• Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:

• Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

• Serve the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Helpful Tips

• Chicken: For even cooking, make sure the chicken tenders are of uniform size. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips.
• Cheese: Shred your own cheddar cheese for the best melting quality.
• Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy for the best texture in the breadcrumb coating.

Cooking Tips

• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
• Flavor Variations: Add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick or use smoked cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the tenders in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 22g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use an air fryer to maintain the crispiness.
• Freezing: These chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders, you might enjoy these other delicious chicken recipes:

1. Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Tender chicken breasts coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection.

2. Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Spicy chicken tenders coated in buffalo sauce, served with blue cheese dressing.

3. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Sweet and savory chicken wings with a sticky honey garlic glaze.

4. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy drumsticks coated in a tangy BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.

5. Chicken Quesadillas: Flour tortillas filled with melted cheese and seasoned chicken, perfect for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

• Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips.

2. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

• Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko provides a crispier texture.

3. How can I make the tenders gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

4. Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?

• Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How do I ensure the coating sticks to the chicken?

• Make sure the chicken is dry before dredging in flour and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tender chicken. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!

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