If you’re craving a delicious, crispy, and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and bacon with tender chicken, then Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are the ultimate treat for your taste buds. These chicken tenders are coated in a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb mixture, and the addition of bacon takes them to the next level of deliciousness. Perfect for a family dinner, game day snacks, or a quick weeknight meal, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken tenders: 1 lb (boneless, skinless)
- Bacon: 4-5 slices (cooked and crumbled)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- Flour: ½ cup
- Egg: 1 large (beaten)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Onion powder: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Cooking oil: For frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This ensures the breading sticks well.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Set up the breading station: In three separate bowls, prepare your breading station:
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the egg.
- In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb, bacon, and cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks.
- Cook the chicken tenders: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Drain excess oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Tips for the Best Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders:
- Crispy texture: For an extra crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.
- Bacon flavor: Ensure the bacon is cooked crispy before crumbling it. This ensures it adds the perfect crunch and flavor to the chicken.
- Oven-baked alternative: For a healthier option, bake these chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Why You’ll Love Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of cheddar cheese and crispy bacon elevates the flavor of the chicken, making every bite irresistibly savory.
- Crispy and juicy: The breadcrumb coating creates a perfectly crispy outer layer, while the chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside.
- Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to make with minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Kid-friendly: With the kid-approved flavors of cheese and bacon, these tenders are sure to be a hit with younger family members.
Conclusion:
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or as a party snack, they’ll definitely be a crowd favorite. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these tenders are the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Don’t forget to pair them with a cool dip for the ultimate indulgence!
For more delicious and easy chicken recipes, be sure to explore other tasty options like Buffalo Chicken Tenders or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings. Enjoy!
Serving Tips for Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these delicious Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor. Some great options include:
- Ranch dressing: A classic creamy choice that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
- BBQ sauce: For a smoky, tangy complement to the savory bacon.
- Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy option that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Spicy mayo: If you prefer a little heat, mix mayonnaise with a touch of hot sauce.
- Side Dishes: To make a complete meal, pair these chicken tenders with easy and complementary side dishes such as:
- French fries or sweet potato fries: A crispy, salty side that pairs well with the chicken.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tangy flavor of coleslaw offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tenders.
- Garden salad: A light and fresh salad can help balance the flavors, especially if it’s topped with a creamy dressing.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can provide a healthy and colorful addition to the meal.
- Plating: For a fun presentation, arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter, garnishing with chopped herbs like parsley or chives. Serve them in individual baskets lined with parchment paper for a rustic touch at parties or gatherings.
Storage Tips for Leftover Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders:
- Refrigerating:
- Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- If the tenders are coated in bacon, it’s best to store them in a way that prevents them from becoming too soggy. Place a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- Freezing:
- To store your chicken tenders for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the tenders into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the coating crispy.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Air fryer: To re-crisp the tenders, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 4-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Skillet: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and reheat the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, making sure they’re warmed through and crispy.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders fresh and flavorful, whether you’re serving them immediately or saving leftovers for later!
1. Can I make Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time. You can bread the chicken and store the uncooked tenders in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying or baking them. This allows the breading to set, ensuring a crispy texture when cooked. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before serving.
2. Can I bake the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. How can I make the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders spicier?
If you want to add some heat to the recipe, try mixing cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce into the breadcrumb mixture or the seasoning for the chicken tenders. You can also serve the tenders with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha mayo or a spicy BBQ sauce, to add an extra kick.
4. Can I freeze leftover Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders! After cooking, let the tenders cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the tenders in the oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are tender strips of chicken coated in a crispy crust made with sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon. These easy-to-make tenders are baked or fried to golden perfection, making them ideal for parties, snacks, or a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil (if baking)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Prepare for Frying:
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray.
- If frying, heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Coatings:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third dish, combine the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the chicken into the eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the cheddar-bacon-panko mixture, ensuring the coating sticks well.
4. Cook the Tenders:
- For Baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For Frying: Fry the tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the flour mixture.
- Use almond flour and pork rind crumbs for a low-carb version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.