Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
Cooking spray (for the baking sheet)
Instructions:
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure your chicken tenders are properly thawed if they were frozen. Cook the bacon ahead of time until crispy and let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside in a bowl.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
Set Up Breading Stations:
In three separate shallow bowls or dishes, set up your breading stations:
First Bowl: Add the all-purpose flour.
Second Bowl: Beat the two large eggs until smooth.
Third Bowl: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Take each chicken tender and follow these steps for coating:
Step 1: Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour, ensuring they are lightly coated.
Step 2: Dip the floured tenders into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Step 3: Finally, press the tenders into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is fully coated. For extra crispiness, press the panko firmly onto the chicken tenders.
Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place each breaded chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them so they cook evenly.
Add the Cheese and Bacon:
Once all the tenders are on the baking sheet, drizzle a bit of olive oil (or melted butter) over them to enhance the crispiness during baking. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of each chicken tender. Follow this by scattering the crumbled bacon over the cheddar cheese on each piece.
The cheddar will melt and become bubbly, and the bacon will add a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when done. The cheese should be fully melted, and the bacon should have adhered to the tenders.
Broil (Optional):
For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them during this step to avoid burning. Broiling will give the cheese a nice golden-brown color and add a bit of extra crunch to the breadcrumbs.
Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to settle, making for a more flavorful bite.
Garnish (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top of the tenders for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be paired with various sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the cheese and bacon.
Vegetable Medley: For a lighter option, serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the tenders.
Dipping Sauces: While these tenders are delicious on their own, you can serve them with a variety of sauces. Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a quicker cooking method, you can make these tenders in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded chicken tenders for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Add the cheese and bacon in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy version of these tenders.
Healthier Version: For a healthier alternative, skip the panko breadcrumbs and flour, and coat the tenders in almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content.
Cheese Alternatives: While cheddar cheese works perfectly in this recipe, you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda, depending on your preference.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Conclusion:
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of juicy chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a snack, these tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, they make for a quick yet satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes for the perfect comfort food experience!