Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Tasty Family Hit

Crispy cheddar bacon chicken tenders always spark excitement at my dinner table with their irresistible crunch.

Cheese and bacon create magical flavor combinations that make everyone smile.

Salty, cheesy goodness wraps around tender chicken in a way that feels like culinary comfort.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and these tenders deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Quick preparation means you can have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in under thirty minutes.

Imagine biting into a golden, crispy coating that reveals juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken beneath.

Let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

Crispy Tenders Loaded with Cheddar and Bacon Goodness

• Effortless Preparation: Whip up these mouthwatering chicken tenders with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for both newbie and experienced cooks.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with irresistible combination of crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs that tantalize taste buds.
• Quick Family Meal: A crowd-pleasing dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, cheesy delight kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or as a protein-packed appetizer that impresses everyone at the table.

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Ingredient Guide

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy base for the chicken coating.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts and creates a golden crust.
• Crumbled Bacon: Adds smoky and salty crunch to the breading.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy strips perfect for crispy coating.

• Flour, Eggs: Helps breading stick to chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides balanced and rich seasoning.

• Cooking Spray, Parchment Paper: Ensures easy non-stick baking and clean-up.

Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Easy Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon pieces
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Take each chicken tender and roll it through the stations:

First coat in flour, then dunk in eggs, finally cover completely with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks perfectly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Give the tops a light spray of cooking oil. Slide the sheet into the hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your crispy, cheesy, bacon-loaded chicken tenders. Grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Crispy Chicken Tenders: What to Know

• Swap Breadcrumbs Wisely: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour for a low-carb version that keeps the crispy texture intact for those with dietary restrictions.
• Season Like a Pro: Add smoked paprika or dried herbs to the breading mix for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring your chicken tenders stay crispy on all sides during baking.
• Bacon Backup Plan: Crumble turkey bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter alternative that still delivers amazing smoky flavor without compromising texture.
• Check Temperature Perfectly: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy tenders every single time.

Bacon Chicken Tenders Save For Later With Crisp

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy coating.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Place tenders in the basket, cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.

Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Pairings

• Pair Perfectly with Tangy Ranch Dressing: A classic, creamy ranch dressing cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheddar, adding a zesty cool contrast to the crispy chicken tenders.
• Complement with Crisp Craft Beer: A light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer balances the savory flavors, refreshing the palate and enhancing the crispy, cheesy coating.
• Match with Fresh Coleslaw: A crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a bright, acidic side that cuts through the heavy breading and adds a refreshing vegetable element to the meal.
• Serve Alongside Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet, caramelized counterpoint to the salty bacon and cheese, creating a satisfying flavor and texture combination.

Ways to Crisp Up Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap panko with crushed pork rinds and use almond flour instead of regular flour to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor and use dairy-free egg substitute to accommodate milk allergies.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the breading mixture for an enhanced aromatic profile and additional flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.

• Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?

While panko provides extra crispiness, regular breadcrumbs can work, but might result in a slightly less crunchy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the tender.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of these chicken tenders.

Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cheddar bacon chicken tenders bring savory comfort straight from home kitchens to dinner plates. Packed with bold flavors and irresistible crunch, this dish promises you an exciting meal that satisfies every craving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Meat Topping:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon, crumbled

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) 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

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare workspace by heating oven to 400°F and positioning parchment-lined baking sheet with light cooking spray coating.
2. Craft a robust breading mixture combining crunchy panko, sharp cheddar cheese fragments, crisp bacon crumbles, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow vessel.
3. Create a three-stage coating station: first station with flour for initial dredging, second station with whisked eggs for moisture binding, third station with prepared breading mixture.
4. Transform each chicken tender through a precise coating journey: delicately dust with flour, immerse in beaten eggs, then generously enrobe with seasoned breading, applying gentle pressure to ensure maximum adherence.
5. Strategically arrange breaded tenders on prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between pieces for optimal crispness.
6. Lightly mist chicken tenders’ surface with cooking spray to promote golden-brown exterior development.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until tenders achieve beautiful golden coloration and reach complete internal doneness.
8. Present these irresistible morsels immediately, accompanied by preferred dipping sauce for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of these delectable chicken tenders.
• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adherence.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to soggy tenders; leave space between each piece for even browning and crisp texture.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 180mg