Irresistibly Cheesy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders – A Must-Try Recipe

Photo bydaily easy recipes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the satisfying crunch of chicken tenders. But what if you could make them even better? Enter Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders, a mouthwatering twist on a timeless classic. These tenders combine the juicy tenderness of chicken with the smoky goodness of bacon and the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy panko coating. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is sure to be a hit.

The secret to this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and sharpness, while bacon delivers that smoky, salty crunch we all love. Panko breadcrumbs ensure the tenders come out golden and crispy, while a hint of garlic and onion powder brings an extra layer of savory depth. The combination is simply irresistible, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 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

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another shallow bowl.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the cheddar-bacon breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
5. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp up.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it's classic ranch, BBQ, or something with a spicy kick. These tenders make for a delicious meal on their own, or they can be served as part of a bigger spread for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With minimal prep time and ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, these chicken tenders come together in no time. The result is a satisfying, cheesy, and crispy dish that everyone will love.

So why wait? Try out this recipe for Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders and see how quickly they disappear from the plate!

To make your Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders extra crispy and flavorful, you can apply similar techniques to those used in popular baked chicken tender recipes. Baking at 400°F (200°C) allows the tenders to crisp up nicely, especially with a panko breadcrumb coating that provides an ideal crunch without the need for frying​(The Dinner Bite)​(Allrecipes).

Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These are essential for the extra crispiness, as they maintain their texture even when baked​(Allrecipes).
• Cheese and Bacon: Combining shredded cheddar cheese with crumbled bacon directly into the breading mixture adds richness and a smoky flavor, making these chicken tenders a standout dish​(The Dinner Bite).
• Spray Cooking Oil: A light spray of cooking oil before baking helps the tenders develop a golden-brown crust​(The Dinner Bite).

For additional tips on making perfect baked chicken tenders, you can check out sources like The Dinner Bite and Allrecipes, where you’ll find useful information on baking techniques and seasoning options.