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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk egg with complementary seasoning until well combined. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the egg mixture, allowing each piece to absorb the seasoned coating.
- Transfer egg-coated chicken tenders directly into the cracker-panko mixture bag. Seal and gently tumble, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage of the protein.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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