Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe

Nothing beats the comforting flavors of crispy chicken tenders, especially when they’re elevated with the rich goodness of cheddar and the savory crunch of bacon. If you’re anything like me, a combination like this is irresistible! Whether you’re whipping these up for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or a casual weekend lunch, these Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are bound to become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are anything but ordinary. Picture this: juicy chicken strips, perfectly seasoned, coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture that’s packed with shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon. Each bite gives you that delightful crispiness on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Full of Flavor: The cheddar cheese melts beautifully, blending with the smoky bacon for a taste explosion.
• Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have these on the table in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these tenders are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

The Taste Experience

When you bite into these tenders, you get the perfect balance of flavors. The sharpness of cheddar mingles with the smokiness of bacon, while the garlic and onion powder add a subtle depth that brings everything together. And let’s not forget that satisfying crunch—pure bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of 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

this Recipe

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow dishes (for dredging and coating)
• Whisk or fork (for beating the eggs)
• Tongs (for easy handling of the chicken tenders)

Optional Additions and Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
• Cheese swap: Prefer something milder? Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a gooey, less sharp flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with the breadcrumb mixture. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through.

Cooking Tip: For maximum crispiness, flip the tenders halfway through baking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these delicious tenders hot out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be perfect!

What to Serve with Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Crispy fries: Classic and always a hit.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness.
• Coleslaw: Adds a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Mac and Cheese: Double down on the cheesy goodness!

Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to give each tender space on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispiness.
• Keep It Crunchy: If you want to take it up a notch, try toasting the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before coating the chicken for an extra layer of crunch.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? A: Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer? A: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders? A: You can! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Conclusion

These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the best flavors of cheese, bacon, and crispy chicken into one delightful bite. Simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion—what’s not to love?

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorites:

• Peach Galette Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Dessert
• Peach Cupcakes: A Sweet Summer Delight
• More Peach Recipes

Lastly, I’d love to see how your tenders turned out! Please leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and let’s keep the delicious conversation going!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Happy cooking!

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