Cheddar Chicken Tenders

These Cheddar Chicken Tenders are juicy on the inside with a crispy, cheesy coating on the outside. They’re easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb (680 g) chicken tenders
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Garlic aioli

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
3. Set up three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with the milk
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat well with the cheddar breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
5. Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet and brush or drizzle with the melted butter or olive oil.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. For an extra crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
3. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and lightly spraying the tops with oil, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes (or 10–12 minutes in the air fryer)
• Total Time: 30–37 minutes

Servings: 4

Tips

• Freshly shredded cheddar melts and crisps better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket for the crispiest coating.
• Let the tenders rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
• Pair with fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.