Cheddar Cheese Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crispy chicken tenders coated in seasoned cheddar cheese and crunchy crumbs, baked or air-fried until golden and juicy. These are cheesy, savory, kid-friendly, and great for meal prep.

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Servings

4 servings

Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 18–22 minutes
• Total: ~35 minutes

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lbs (700g) chicken tenders
  (or chicken breast cut into strips)

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Marinade

• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Crispy Cheddar Coating

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

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Optional for Extra Crispiness

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

If using large chicken breasts:

• cut into even strips

This helps them cook evenly.

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Step 2: Make Marinade

In a bowl whisk together:

• egg
• milk
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• salt
• pepper

Add chicken and coat thoroughly.

Let sit:

• 10–15 minutes

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Step 3: Prepare Cheddar Coating

In another bowl mix:

• cheddar cheese
• panko
• parmesan
• Italian seasoning
• paprika
• garlic powder

Mix well so cheese distributes evenly.

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Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Press each chicken strip firmly into coating mixture.

Important:

• really press crumbs onto chicken
• cheddar should stick all around

Place on parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket.

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Step 5: Bake or Air Fry

Oven Method

Bake at:

• 425°F (220°C)

For:

• 18–22 minutes

Flip halfway through.

Optional:

• spray lightly with oil for extra crunch

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Air Fryer Method

Cook at:

• 400°F (200°C)

For:

• 10–14 minutes

Flip halfway.

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Step 6: Check Doneness

Chicken should be:

• golden brown
• crispy outside
• juicy inside

Internal temperature should reach:

$165^\circ\mathrm{F}$165∘F

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Optional Dipping Sauces

Classic

• ranch
• honey mustard
• BBQ sauce

Spicy

• buffalo sauce
• sriracha mayo

Low-Carb

• garlic aioli
• spicy Greek yogurt dip

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Flavor & Texture

• Crispy cheesy crust
• Juicy chicken center
• Sharp cheddar flavor
• Crunchy golden edges

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Optional Variations

Spicy Cheddar Tenders

Add:

• cayenne
• chili flakes
• pepper jack cheese

High-Protein Version

Replace some breadcrumbs with:

• crushed pork rinds
• protein crisps

Keto Version

Replace panko with:

• almond flour
• crushed pork rinds

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420–520
• Protein: ~42g
• Carbs: ~18–25g
• Fat: ~22g

Depends on coating thickness and cheese used.

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Meal Prep & Storage

Refrigerator

• up to 4 days

Reheating

Best reheated in:

• air fryer
• oven

Avoid microwave if possible to preserve crispiness.

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Pro Tips

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and melts differently.

Don’t Overcrowd

Space between tenders helps crisping.

High Heat = Better Crunch

A hot oven creates crispier coating faster.