Who doesn't love a good chicken tender? They're a universal favorite, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. But what if we told you we could take the humble chicken tender to a whole new level of deliciousness? Enter our Crispy Baked Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders – a dish so irresistible, it's destined to become a new family favorite!
Imagine perfectly juicy chicken, encased in a golden, crispy coating, bursting with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon and the sharp, cheesy delight of cheddar. And the best part? They're baked, not fried, making them a little lighter without sacrificing any of that satisfying crunch.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and delivers big on flavor, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for game day, or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready to bake up some pure happiness!
Why You'll Love These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
These aren't just any chicken tenders; they're an experience! Here’s why you'll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: Bacon and cheddar are a match made in heaven, and when combined with tender chicken, it's pure magic.
- Baked to Perfection: Enjoy all the crispiness of fried chicken without the extra oil. Baking makes cleanup easier too!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these. They're a fantastic way to get everyone excited about dinner.
- Versatile: Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, or cut them into smaller pieces for a delicious appetizer.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making this a go-to recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success! You'll find a detailed list with exact measurements in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of what you'll need to create these amazing tenders:
- Fresh chicken tenders
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (the crispier, the better!)
- Breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch is highly recommended)
- All-purpose flour
- Large eggs
- Garlic powder & onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- Cooking spray or a little oil
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection
Making these tenders is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. The key to that glorious crispy exterior is a classic breading station, followed by an even bake. Ensure your chicken is patted dry before you begin; this helps the flour and breadcrumbs adhere better, leading to a crispier finish.
When it comes to preparing your ingredients, a quality chef's knife makes quick work of things like chopping your bacon (if not pre-crumbled) or ensuring your chicken tenders are uniform in size.
Follow the full step-by-step instructions in the recipe card, and you'll have golden, cheesy, bacon-packed tenders ready in no time!
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Tenders
Want to guarantee restaurant-quality crispiness and flavor every time? Keep these handy tips in mind:
- Pat Dry, Pat Dry, Pat Dry: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry your chicken tenders before dredging them in flour.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tenders space on the baking sheet. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy coating. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Spray for Extra Golden Crunch: A light mist of cooking spray or a gentle drizzle of olive oil over the breaded tenders before baking helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crunch.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly and often has a better flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Crispy Baked Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are fantastic on their own, but they're also incredibly versatile!
Serving Ideas:
- Pair them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries.
- They're excellent with classic dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Chop them up and add them to a wrap or sandwich for a hearty lunch.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme with the breadcrumbs for an aromatic twist.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Garlic Parmesan: Omit the bacon and cheddar, and instead mix grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder into the breadcrumbs for a garlicky, cheesy crust.
Ready to Get Baking?
With their irresistible combination of crispy breading, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar, these Crispy Baked Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. They’re easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for entertaining. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch thick strips to mimic the tender shape. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C).
How do I ensure my chicken tenders are extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, make sure to pat your chicken tenders very dry before coating them. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate. A light spritz of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil over the breaded tenders before baking also helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust.
Can I make these cheddar bacon chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders (without the cheese and bacon topping) up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add the cheese and bacon just before baking. Baked tenders are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What are some good dipping sauces for these tenders?
These tenders pair wonderfully with classic dipping sauces! Try ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, a spicy mayo, or even a simple ketchup. The savory flavors of cheddar and bacon complement a wide range of options.
Crispy Baked Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
These irresistible chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, then baked until golden and perfectly juicy.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, place the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the 2 large eggs until beaten. In the third bowl, combine the 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Pat the chicken tenders dry. Coat each chicken tender evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 5: Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off.
Step 6: Press the egg-dipped chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on all sides.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the breaded chicken tender to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tenders.
Step 8: After breading all tenders, sprinkle the cheddar and bacon mixture generously over the top of each tender.
Step 9: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil for extra crispiness.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
For extra crispy tenders, ensure you pat the chicken very dry before breading. You can also lightly press down on the breading to help it adhere better. Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Breading
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 tenders
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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