Description
Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and loaded with cheesy flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or kid-friendly meal. Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter but still satisfyingly crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip chicken strips in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Arrange tenders on prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spray tops with cooking oil.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy version.
- Use mozzarella and Italian seasoning for an Italian-style twist.
- Make gluten-free with GF panko and certified GF Parmesan.
- Air fryer option: 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze cooked tenders and reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
