Crispy Cheez-It Chicken Tenders Recipe: Zesty Family Favorite

Crispy chicken tenders with a cheez-it crunch have been my weekend game-changer lately.

Snack lovers rejoice with this unexpected twist on classic comfort food.

Crushed crackers add an irresistible golden texture that makes these tenders stand out from typical breaded versions.

Crunchy coating meets tender chicken in a match made in culinary heaven.

Everyone from kids to adults will love this playful recipe that brings serious flavor to the table.

Cheddar-infused crumbs guarantee a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Prepare to dive into a deliciously unexpected dinner that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Breading and Chicken Mix for Cheez-It Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, tender pieces that provide the main protein for the dish. Choose plump, even-sized tenders for consistent cooking.

• Cheez-It Crackers, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy, cheesy exterior with golden-brown texture. Select original flavor Cheez-Its for classic taste. Panko adds extra crispiness.

• Egg: Helps cracker mixture adhere to chicken, creating a perfect crispy coating. Use fresh, room-temperature egg for best results.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor and season the chicken. Use kosher salt for better distribution and freshly ground black pepper for robust taste.

• Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing, Ketchup: Classic dipping sauces that complement the crispy chicken tenders. Choose based on personal preference.

Cheez-It Chicken Tenders Preparation Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400°F.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze.

This will help your chicken tenders cook evenly and get that perfect golden crunch.

Step 2: Crush the Crackers

Grab a zip-top bag and toss in the Cheez-It crackers.

Seal the bag and go to town crushing them into fine crumbs.

You can use your hands, a rolling pin, or even a heavy pan.

Once they’re crushed, mix in the panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Crack an egg into a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Whisk it up until well combined.

Dunk the chicken tenders into the egg mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.

Let any extra egg drip off before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Crumb Coating Magic

Transfer the egg-covered chicken into the bag with crushed Cheez-Its and panko.

Seal the bag and shake vigorously until every inch of chicken is covered in crispy, cheesy goodness.

Pro tip: Press any remaining crumbs onto any bare spots.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Lay out the coated chicken tenders on the foil-lined baking sheet.

Space them out so they get crispy on all sides.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

Flip them halfway through if you want extra evenness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your golden, crispy Cheez-It chicken tenders and serve immediately.

Grab your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, blue cheese, or ketchup all work great.

Get ready for a crunchy, cheesy explosion of flavor!

Chicken Tender Tips With Cheez-It Crunch

• Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to create uniform, fine Cheez-It crumbs for maximum crispiness and even coating.
• Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring crispy chicken tenders from all sides.
• Experiment with different Cheez-It flavors like hot & spicy or white cheddar to add unique taste profiles to your chicken.
• Swap regular Cheez-Its and panko with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the Cheez-It mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.

Chicken Tenders Keep Crisp for the Next Bite

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for 2-3 months, ensuring they are completely cooled before freezing.
• Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture; oven method maintains the crunchy Cheez-It coating and chicken's moisture.

Bold Snacks For Chicken Tenders

• Pair Perfectly with Tangy Dips: Ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard dressing complement the cheesy crunch of these chicken tenders, enhancing the savory and zesty flavor profile.
• Boost Flavor with Crisp Side Salads: Prepare a light mixed green salad with cucumber and tomato to balance the richness of the Cheez-It coating, adding freshness and nutritional contrast.
• Match with Refreshing Beverages: Choose cold beer or sparkling lemonade to cut through the crispy texture and provide a cool, palate-cleansing experience that highlights the chicken's cheesy exterior.
• Create Comfort with Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food combination, doubling down on the cheesy goodness of the chicken tenders.

Crunchy Chicken Tender Mixes

• Gluten-Free Cracker Coating: Replace Cheez-It crackers with gluten-free cheese crackers or crushed gluten-free pretzels for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap Cheez-It crackers with crushed pork rinds and use almond flour instead of panko to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining crispy texture.
• Spicy Cheez-It Chicken: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the cracker mixture for those who enjoy a fiery kick to their chicken tenders.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the cracker coating for an aromatic and flavorful variation that enhances the overall taste profile.

FAQs

• Are Cheez-It crackers the only coating for this chicken recipe?

No, the recipe combines Cheez-It crackers with panko breadcrumbs to create a super crispy and flavorful coating that adds extra crunch and cheesy flavor to the chicken tenders.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips or chicken breast tenders. Just make sure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

• Do I need to use a specific flavor of Cheez-It crackers?

While the original recipe doesn’t specify, you can experiment with different Cheez-It flavors like white cheddar or hot and spicy to add unique taste variations to your chicken tenders.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who want a lighter meal?

Although these chicken tenders are baked instead of fried, they still have a crispy coating. For a lighter version, you could use less coating or use whole wheat crackers for added nutrition.

Cheez-It Chicken Tenders Crunchy Cheddar Coating

• Crush and Crunch Delight: Transforms boring chicken tenders into a crispy, cheesy sensation that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepares in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal prep.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Uses simple ingredients like Cheez-It crackers and pantry staples, creating a playful twist on classic chicken tenders that appeals to all ages.
• Versatile Dipping Dream: Pairs wonderfully with multiple sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or ketchup, allowing everyone to customize their dining experience.

Cheez-It Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden Cheez-it chicken tenders deliver a nostalgic crunch that elevates classic comfort food. Cheesy breading and juicy chicken create an irresistible combo you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• 1 large egg

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Cheez-It Crackers (regular, not low-fat)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Serving (Optional):

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Ketchup
• Other dips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to 400°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to simplify post-cooking cleanup.
2. Transform Cheez-It crackers into fine, uniform crumbs by vigorously crushing them inside a sealed zip-top bag using a rolling pin or sturdy kitchen tool. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs into the cracker mixture, ensuring thorough blending.
3. Whisk egg with complementary seasoning until well combined. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the egg mixture, allowing each piece to absorb the seasoned coating.
4. Transfer egg-coated chicken tenders directly into the cracker-panko mixture bag. Seal and gently tumble, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage of the protein.
5. Position coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces. Sprinkle any remaining crumb mixture over areas with sparse coating to maximize crispiness.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to promote uniform browning. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
7. Plate immediately and accompany with preferred dipping sauces like ranch, tangy blue cheese, or classic ketchup for enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Crush Cheez-Its thoroughly to ensure a consistent, fine coating that sticks perfectly to the chicken tenders.
• Add extra seasoning like garlic powder or paprika to the cracker mixture for a flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free Cheez-It crackers to maintain the crunchy texture.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the egg and cracker mixture adhere more effectively, creating a crispier exterior with maximum crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg