Description
These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering twist on a classic. Juicy chicken tenders are coated in a crispy, cheesy panko breadcrumb mixture infused with smoky bacon, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders are a surefire hit for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the flour in a separate shallow dish, and the beaten eggs in another. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, bacon-flavored chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture if you like a bit of heat.
- These tenders can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 135mg