Description
Crispy chicken tenders coated in crushed Cheez-It crackers and panko breadcrumbs, baked until golden and juicy inside. A cheesy, crunchy dinner that is fun, easy, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 4 cups Cheez-It crackers, crushed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
- In another bowl whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise until smooth.
- In a third bowl mix the crushed Cheez-It crackers, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Dip each tender in the flour, then coat in the egg mixture, and finally press into the cracker crumb mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared rack leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the tenders rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing or honey mustard.
Notes
- Do not crush the crackers into powder, small crumbs give the best crunchy texture.
- Using a wire rack helps air circulate and makes the tenders crispier.
- Leave space between each piece so they bake instead of steam.
- These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: cheez it chicken tenders, cracker crusted chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders