If you’re craving a savory, crispy, and cheesy chicken dish, look no further than Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders! These delicious chicken tenders are coated in a savory blend of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, then baked or fried to golden perfection. The combination of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken makes these tenders an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, these Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders will surely be a hit!
What makes these chicken tenders so special is their flavorful crust. The cheddar and bacon add richness and a smoky kick, while the breadcrumbs give the tenders a crispy, crunchy texture. Each bite is a perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and satisfying, and they’re quick and easy to make for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
I first made Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders when I was looking for a new twist on the classic chicken tender, and the combination of cheddar and bacon was a total game-changer. They’re now a family favorite, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit in your house too!
Why These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Will Be Your New Favorite
- Cheesy and savory: The cheddar cheese and bacon give these tenders a rich, smoky flavor that makes them irresistible.
- Crispy and crunchy: The breadcrumbs create the perfect crunchy coating, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these tenders come together quickly for a tasty weeknight meal.
- Great for dipping: Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard for an added flavor boost.
- Kid-friendly: These tenders are perfect for picky eaters, and the cheesy bacon flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
For Dipping Sauce (optional):
- Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard
How to Make Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the oven or prepare the skillet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil if you prefer to fry the tenders. - Prepare the breading:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, place the flour. In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs. - Coat the chicken tenders:
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. - Cook the chicken tenders:
For baking: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).For frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Serve and enjoy:
Once the tenders are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oven or skillet. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Use fresh bacon: For the best flavor, cook your bacon fresh and crumble it yourself. You can also use bacon bits if you prefer a shortcut.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated: When breading the chicken, make sure each piece is well-coated in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture to achieve that perfect crispy crust.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to add more spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor, such as Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or dried thyme.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use different cheese: If you prefer, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make these tenders gluten-free.
- Add heat: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
Make a Healthier Version
- Bake instead of fry: To make these tenders a bit lighter, bake them instead of frying. The coating will still be crispy and delicious, but with less oil.
- Use lean chicken: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast or chicken tenders to reduce the fat content.
- Lower-fat cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese for a lighter version of these tenders.
Closing
And there you have it! Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy, making them a hit at any meal. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as an appetizer, or as a snack, these tenders will surely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your chicken tenders turn out, and be sure to check out more of our savory, comforting recipes for even more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders in advance, refrigerate them, and bake or fry them when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces before breading. - Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken tenders before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake or fry them straight from the freezer. - Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for regular bacon if you prefer a lower-fat option. - How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). - Can I make these tenders spicy?
Yes! Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. - What dipping sauces can I serve with these tenders?
These tenders pair perfectly with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. - Can I make these tenders in an air fryer?
Yes! To make them in an air fryer, spray the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. - Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor. - Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko breadcrumbs give a crispier, lighter texture to the tenders. - Can I bake these tenders instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake the tenders, simply place them on a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin for a different version of this recipe.
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
4
30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb 1 chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
1 cup 1 shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup 1/2 cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup 1 panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup 1/4 all-purpose flour
2 large 2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
1 tsp 1 onion powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
- For Dipping Sauce (optional):
Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard
Directions
- Preheat the oven or prepare the skillet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil if you prefer to fry the tenders.
- Prepare the breading:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, place the flour. In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the chicken tenders:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.
- Cook the chicken tenders:
- For baking: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).For frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Once the tenders are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oven or skillet. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
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