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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly blot chicken tenders with paper towels to ensure maximum moisture removal for optimal breading adherence.
- Seasoning: Massage tenders comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, ensuring profound flavor infusion across every surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finishing: Rest cooked tenders on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp exterior and maintaining textural integrity.
- 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