Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon flavor – these Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders are destined to become a new family favorite. Tender chicken is coated in a crunchy breading, then baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon bits. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What sets this recipe apart is the incredible flavor combination of savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and juicy chicken. The breading provides a delightful crunch, while the cheese and bacon create an irresistible topping that elevates these chicken tenders to new heights. Whether you serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or a game day snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders offer so much to love. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheddar, and smoky bacon is truly unbeatable. Plus, the recipe is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. You’ll appreciate the texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy, tender interior of the chicken.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main dish with your favorite sides, or as a tasty appetizer for parties and gatherings. And the best part? You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick and delicious meals whenever the craving strikes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders ❓
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
The beauty of this Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheddar, and smoky bacon creates the classic comfort food-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken tender recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• Step 3: Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
• Step 4: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
• Step 5: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and top each one with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 6: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the cheesy chicken tenders. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 18-23 minutes
• Total time: 28-33 minutes
Compared to traditional fried chicken tenders which can take up to 30-40 minutes to prepare, this Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders recipe saves you 25-30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 881mg
These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders provide approximately 84% of your daily protein requirements and 37% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute almond flour or pork rinds for the breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative and omit the cheese topping, or serve with a dairy-free dipping sauce.
• Added protein: Serve the chicken tenders with a protein-rich side dish like roasted chickpeas or a Greek yogurt-based dip.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or broccoli florets to the dish for extra nutrition and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh garden salad or a crisp, tangy coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Complement the tenders with a zesty ranch dressing or a spicy barbecue sauce for dipping.
• For a game day feast, serve the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders alongside your favorite game day snacks and beverages.
• Create an appetizer platter with the chicken tenders, along with mini skewers of grilled pineapple and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the chicken: Be sure to bake the chicken tenders until they are cooked through, with no pink in the center. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
• Skipping the egg dip: The egg dip helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispy, crunchy exterior. Don’t skip this important step.
• Overloading with cheese and bacon: While the cheese and bacon are delicious, be mindful not to overdo it, as it can make the tenders overly heavy and greasy.
• Not letting the cheese melt completely: Make sure to bake the tenders with the cheese for a few minutes to allow it to fully melt and become gooey and irresistible.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the breaded chicken tenders as directed, but do not bake. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked and cheesed chicken tenders to cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped tenders in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the frozen unbaked tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. For the frozen baked tenders, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tenders can be breaded and frozen unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also bake the tenders, top with cheese, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I substitute different types of cheese or meat?
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Try using different shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. For the meat, you can substitute chopped ham, turkey, or even ground sausage for the bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperatures as needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese and turkey bacon to lower the overall fat and calorie content. Substituting almond flour or pork rinds for the breadcrumbs can also create a lower-carb version. To boost the nutrition, add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or broccoli to the dish.
Why are my chicken tenders not getting crispy?
There are a few common reasons why chicken tenders may not get crispy: overcrowding the baking sheet, not properly dredging the chicken in the flour-egg-breadcrumb process, or using breadcrumbs that are too fine. Make sure to spread the tenders out in a single layer on the baking sheet and use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
Can I add any additional seasonings or flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasoning blends. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or Cajun spice mix to the breading for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheese and meat combinations, such as pepper jack cheese and chorizo, or cheddar and barbecue pulled pork.
Conclusion
These Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, they’re sure to impress with their crispy, cheesy, and bacon-y goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the breading and baking process. So, gather your family and friends, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new household favorite.