Crunchy Bacon Cheddar Chicken Tenders Recipe Everyone Loves

Tangy seasoned crispy cheddar bacon chicken tenders spark joy at every dinner table.

Bacon lovers rejoice as this simple recipe combines golden-brown chicken with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon bits.

Lean protein meets indulgent flavors in a meal that satisfies deep cravings.

Each tender promises a delightful crunch that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

The crispy coating seals in moisture, creating a perfect balance of textures.

Melted cheese and crisp bacon elevate these chicken tenders from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve these mouthwatering morsels and watch them disappear in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Define Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein base that provides a juicy and tender texture, select fresh, uniform-sized tenders for even cooking.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch and depth of flavor, choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispy bits.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates initial dry layer for crispy exterior, helps egg and breading adhere perfectly.
• Eggs: Acts as adhesive binding agent between flour and breadcrumb coating, ensures even and crispy breading.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides ultimate crispy texture and golden-brown exterior, panko works best for extra crunchiness.

• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that awakens all other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory garlic essence without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Introduces sweet and pungent undertones for balanced flavor profile.
• Paprika: Contributes warm color and mild smoky flavor, enhances overall dish appearance.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into breading, creating a rich, tangy cheese crust.
• Cooking Oil: Enables perfect golden-brown frying and crisp exterior.

Prep Tools to Make Cooking Simple

• Large skillet: Essential for frying chicken tenders to crispy, golden perfection.
• Three mixing bowls: Perfect for creating a breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Paper towels: Great for patting chicken dry and draining excess oil after cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely placing chicken tenders in hot oil and flipping during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing and handling raw chicken before breading.
• Whisk: Handy for beating eggs and mixing breadcrumb ingredients smoothly.

Fry or Bake: Tenders From Start to Finish

• Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken tenders completely dry to help breading stick perfectly.

• Create Flavor Profile

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a zesty taste.

• Build Breading Layers

Set up three separate dishes: first with flour, second with beaten egg, third with crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese.

• Coat and Press

Dunk each tender first in flour, then egg, finishing with bacon-cheese breadcrumb mixture. Press coating gently to ensure maximum crunch.

• Sizzle and Cook

Heat oil in skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place breaded tenders in hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Finish and Plate

Transfer tenders to paper towel-lined plate to remove extra oil. Serve immediately with tangy ranch, sweet BBQ, or zesty honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Swap In Flavors for a New Take on a

• Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to create an extra-crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to ensure maximum crunch in the breading mixture.
• Prepare breaded chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered, for a quick meal later. Just add an extra minute to cooking time when frying directly from the refrigerator.
• Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.

How to Serve These Tenders to a Crowd

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack these crispy tenders in a portable container for an outdoor lunch that'll make everyone jealous. Pair with fresh coleslaw and pickle spears for a complete meal.
• Dip Delight Station: Create a fun dipping experience by arranging 3-4 different sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, classic ranch, tangy BBQ, and zesty honey mustard. Let guests mix and match flavors.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces for easy finger food during movie marathons or sports watching. Serve on a large platter with toothpicks for convenient snacking.
• Family-Style Feast: Transform these tenders into a build-your-own chicken tender plate by setting out extra toppings like chopped green onions, extra crispy bacon bits, and different cheese sprinkles for customization.

Keep Leftovers Tasting Fresh and Crisp

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coolest section of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Revive cold tenders in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crunchiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Cook an extra batch of chicken tenders during your initial preparation. Pack them in portion-controlled containers for quick lunches or grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

FAQs

• Why do I need to pat the chicken dry before breading?

Patting the chicken dry helps the flour and breading stick better, creating a crispier coating that won’t fall off during cooking.

• Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of fresh bacon?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon will provide a more robust flavor and crunchier texture for the breading.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes to achieve a similar crispy coating.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

Crispy Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheddar bacon chicken tenders blend crispy, cheesy goodness with savory bacon-wrapped protein. Comfort classics meet gourmet delights in this simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) cooked bacon, finely crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil (if baking)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blot chicken tenders with paper towels to ensure maximum moisture removal for optimal breading adherence.
2. Seasoning: Massage tenders comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, ensuring profound flavor infusion across every surface.
3. Breading Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – first with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with a dynamic blend of breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Coating Process: Systematically dredge each tender through flour for a delicate base, immerse in egg wash for binding, then generously coat with bacon-cheese breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to secure a robust crust.
5. Cooking: Heat skillet to medium temperature, add oil, and strategically place breaded tenders, allowing each side to caramelize into a golden-brown finish for 3-4 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete food safety.
6. Finishing: Rest cooked tenders on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp exterior and maintaining textural integrity.
7. Serving: Plate chicken tenders accompanied by complementary dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard to elevate the overall gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure chicken tenders are completely dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy, perfectly adhered breading that won’t become soggy.
• Season Generously: Massage seasonings deeply into chicken for maximum flavor penetration, creating a more complex and rich taste profile throughout the meat.
• Breading Technique Matters: Press breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto chicken to create a solid, crunchy coating that locks in moisture and prevents falling off during cooking.
• Temperature Control: Use medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly, golden brown exterior matches a perfectly cooked interior with crispy bacon bits.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg