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Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

These family-friendly chicken tenders combine a crispy panko coating with cheddar and parmesan cheese. Baked instead of fried for a healthier but still delicious result.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:40 GMT
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A plate of golden-brown, breaded chicken tenders garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown, breaded chicken tenders garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. | zestplate.com

The Best Cheesy Chicken Tenders Your Family Will Ask For Again

Every time I make these crunchy, cheese crusted chicken tenders, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma. The combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan creates this incredible golden crust that had my kids fighting over the last piece. Trust me, this recipe turns ordinary chicken into something truly special without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works In Your Kitchen

My picky nephew gobbles these up without a fuss. I love that I can throw them together on busy weeknights when sports practice runs late. Since they're baked instead of fried, I don't have to deal with hot oil splashing everywhere. Plus, they're perfect for packing in lunch boxes the next day if we have any leftovers which rarely happens in my house.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: Pick up fresh chicken tenderloins they cook more evenly than cut breast pieces and stay super juicy.
  • Cheeses:
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded works best
    • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated gives that perfect savory kick
  • Coating Ingredients:
    • 1½ cups all-purpose flour for the base coating
    • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs these make it extra crispy
    • 2 large eggs they help everything stick
  • Seasonings:
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ cup milk to thin the egg wash
  • Equipment:
    • Baking sheet
    • Aluminum foil
    • Wire rack optional but helps with crispiness
    • Cooking spray

Easy-to-Follow Steps

Prepare Your Kitchen
First get your oven nice and hot at 400°F. While it's heating line your baking sheet with foil and if you have a wire rack set it on top. Give everything a good spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Set Up Your Breading Station
Create three stations: First bowl mix your flour with salt pepper and garlic powder. Second bowl whisk your eggs with milk until smooth. Third bowl combine your panko both kinds of cheese until well mixed.
Bread Your Chicken
Pat each piece of chicken completely dry with paper towels. Use your left hand to coat in flour right hand for egg wash and left hand again for the cheese panko mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated.
Arrange for Baking
Place your breaded tenders on the prepared pan leaving space between each piece. Give them a light spray of cooking oil on top this helps them get extra crispy.
Baking Instructions
If using a wire rack bake for 15-20 minutes without flipping. Without a rack bake for 8 minutes flip then another 7-12 minutes. They're done when they reach 165°F inside and have a beautiful golden crust.
Final Steps
Let your tenders rest for 5 minutes after baking this keeps them nice and juicy inside. Serve while still warm for the best cheese pull and crunch.

Kitchen Secrets For Success

A wire rack is worth using because it lets hot air circulate around the chicken giving you that perfect crunch all over. Don't be shy with the cooking spray it really helps develop that gorgeous golden color. Season your flour well it makes such a difference in the final taste. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest piece.

A plate of golden-brown breaded chicken strips is served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown breaded chicken strips is served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. | zestplate.com

What Goes Well With These Tenders

My family loves these alongside creamy mac and cheese. Sweet honey roasted carrots balance out the savory chicken perfectly. For something lighter, I throw some zucchini on the grill. When I'm feeling extra indulgent, I make my garlic parmesan potatoes they're practically made for each other.

Helpful Tips From My Kitchen To Yours

Those little strips under the chicken breast are actually the tenderloins they're naturally more tender than regular chicken breast. Sometimes I bread a big batch in the morning and keep them in the fridge until dinner time. We love dipping them in ranch sauce my daughter prefers honey mustard and my husband makes his own spicy mayo to go with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Q: Why use a baking rack?

A: Elevates chicken for even browning without flipping, though foil-lined sheet works too.

→ Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

A: Fresh shredded cheese recommended for better melting and coating adhesion.

→ Q: Why use one hand for wet, one for dry?

A: Prevents breading from clumping and keeps coating process cleaner.

→ Q: Can I make these ahead?

A: Best served immediately while coating is crispy, but can be reheated.

→ Q: Why season chicken before coating?

A: Ensures meat itself is seasoned, not just the coating.

Chicken Tenders Recipe

Oven-baked chicken tenders coated in seasoned flour, panko breadcrumbs and two kinds of cheese for maximum crunch and flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (24)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 pounds chicken tenders.
02 2/3 cup all-purpose flour.
03 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
07 3 eggs.
08 2 tablespoons milk.
09 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
10 1 cup sharp cheddar, freshly shredded.
11 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated.
12 Additional kosher salt for chicken.
13 Cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to exactly 400°F and prepare baking sheet by lining with foil and placing rack on top if using.

Step 02

Spray rack or foil thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking process.

Step 03

Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper thoroughly in first shallow dish.

Step 04

Whisk eggs and milk together completely in second shallow dish until fully combined.

Step 05

Combine panko breadcrumbs with both freshly shredded cheeses in third shallow dish.

Step 06

Season raw chicken tenders generously with kosher salt on all sides before beginning coating process.

Step 07

Dredge each tender in seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess coating.

Step 08

Dip floured tender in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off completely.

Step 09

Press tender firmly into cheese-panko mixture, ensuring even coating on all sides.

Step 10

Place breaded tenders on prepared baking sheet or rack, leaving small space between each piece.

Step 11

Continue breading process using one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to prevent clumping.

Step 12

Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until coating becomes golden brown.

Step 13

If using baking sheet without rack, flip tenders halfway through cooking time.

Step 14

Optional: broil briefly at end of cooking for extra browning if desired.

Step 15

Serve immediately while hot and crispy with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. Kid friendly.
  2. Baked not fried.
  3. Double cheese coating.
  4. Crispy texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Wire rack (optional).
  • Shallow dishes.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 256
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 31 g