Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe – Crispy, Easy & Family-Friendly

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are here to save your weeknight dinner routine from the “what do I even cook tonight?” spiral. These crispy, golden beauties are packed with melty cheddar, crunchy panko, and a touch of garlic and paprika that makes them way more exciting than the frozen kind. Whether you’ve got picky eaters, a tight schedule, or just want something easy that still feels homemade, this cheesy twist on a classic is the kind of reliable go-to that keeps everyone at the table happy.

Bonus? No frying, no fuss — just simple, oven-baked goodness that still gets that irresistible crispy edge. If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cheesy baked chicken tenders recipe that doesn’t require a culinary degree (or a million ingredients), you’ve just found it.

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What are Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders?

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are exactly what they sound like — juicy strips of chicken coated in a flavorful mix of cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs, then baked until perfectly golden. Think chicken tenders, but grown-up, cheese-loaded, and oven-crisped instead of fried. They’re kind of like the comfort food version of that friend who always shows up on time and never forgets your birthday.

You can use pre-cut chicken tenders or slice up chicken breasts if that’s what you have. The coating gives you that crunchy outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy — no air fryer needed. They’re easy enough for a Tuesday, but satisfying enough to serve with pride on a weekend movie night. Plus, they’re versatile — throw them in a wrap, over a salad, or just pair with your favorite dipping sauce (hello, honey mustard or ranch).

Reasons to Try Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

There are a million reasons to love these cheesy baked chicken tenders, but let’s keep it simple. First off, they’re baked — so you’re skipping the greasy mess but still getting all the crispy, cheesy vibes. Second, they’re family-approved. Kids devour them without complaints, and adults? We go back for seconds (sometimes thirds, no shame). Third, you probably already have most of the ingredients hanging out in your pantry or fridge.

Fourth, they reheat like champs — think leftover gold. And finally, they’re totally customizable. Want to toss in some spice? Add chili flakes or cayenne. Prefer mozzarella instead of cheddar? Go for it. These tenders play nice with whatever you’ve got. Oh, and if you need a cozy side dish, they’re a perfect match for our Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Like a Pro

Let’s kick things off with a hot oven! Preheat yours to 425°F (that’s about 220°C if you’re curious). This high heat is the secret to getting that perfectly crispy crust without frying. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper — this helps keep the tenders from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Give the parchment a light mist of cooking spray so your tenders crisp up instead of steaming.

👉 Need a comforting side to toss in the oven next to these? Check out our Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for a cozy fall dinner pairing.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cheesy Coating

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix it all together with a fork or your hands until the spices and cheeses are evenly distributed through the crumbs. It should look and smell amazing already — like a crispy, cheesy dream.

🧀 Want to try a twist? You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. For more casserole-style cheese inspiration, peek at our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs for Dipping

Crack 2 eggs into a shallow bowl and give them a good whisk. You don’t need to go overboard — just enough to blend the yolks and whites into a smooth mixture. This egg bath helps the cheesy breadcrumb mixture stick like glue to each piece of chicken.

🥚 Pro Tip: If you’re out of eggs, a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk or even mayo thinned with water can be used as a binder.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Step by Step

Here comes the fun (and slightly messy) part. Take one chicken tender at a time and dunk it into the egg mixture. Let any excess drip off, then press it firmly into the cheesy coating. Make sure it’s well-covered on all sides — you want that cheesy goodness to cling everywhere. Repeat until all your tenders are looking deliciously coated.

👩‍🍳 Short on time? Slice up chicken breasts into strips instead of buying tenders. It’s a great budget tip — just like we talk about in our Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe.

Step 5: Arrange and Spray for That Golden Finish

Place the coated tenders in a single layer on your baking sheet. Make sure there’s a little space between each one — if they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray one more time. This step is what gives them that crispy, oven-fried texture we all love (without deep-frying).

🥗 Need a veggie side that won’t hog oven space? Our Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew simmers on the stove while your tenders bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Sizzling

Slide your tray into the oven and set a timer for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking — around the 12-minute mark — flip the tenders carefully using tongs or a spatula. This ensures both sides get that even, crunchy texture. Once the coating turns golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted and slightly crisp, you’re good to go!

🌡️ The internal temp should hit 165°F — if you’re not sure, a quick check with a meat thermometer can help.

Step 7: Serve and Dip Away

Remove your tenders from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes (we know it’s hard to wait). Then plate them up and serve with your go-to sauces — ranch, BBQ, spicy ketchup, or honey mustard all pair beautifully. Add a side like our Creamy Potato Salad or even Vegetable Beef Soup for a full, no-stress meal.

🎉 And just like that, you’ve made homemade Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders step by step — no fryer, no stress, just pure comfort food success.

What to Serve with Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

These cheesy baked chicken tenders are like the main character in a feel-good family movie — they shine, but they also make everyone around them better. Pair them with Creamy Potato Salad for a picnic-style dinner, or go cozy and comforting with Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Craving carbs? Try them alongside our Crockpot Cheddar Chili Mac. You can also throw them on top of a salad for something lighter or tuck them into a wrap with lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch idea.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

1. Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs — it’s what gives that extra crispiness.
2. Don’t skip the cooking spray. It helps the coating brown evenly without deep frying.
3. Make sure the tenders are spaced out on the tray — crowding them = soggy crust.
4. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne or some Italian seasoning to the coating mix.
5. If you’ve only got chicken breasts, just slice them into even-sized strips for consistent cooking.
6. Want it low-carb? Swap panko for crushed pork rinds (it works, trust me).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store these babies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, skip the microwave — it’ll make them soggy. Instead, toss them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until they crisp back up. You can also freeze them after baking — just lay them on a sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven. Perfect for lunchboxes, late-night cravings, or those “I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and coat the chicken, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use other cheeses?
Totally. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.

Are these gluten-free?
Not with panko, but you can swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Do I need to flip them?
Flipping helps both sides crisp, so it’s worth the tiny extra effort.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yup. Set to 400°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders check every box — easy, crispy, crowd-pleasing, and baked (not fried). Whether you’re feeding your family or just feeding your craving, these tenders make dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a treat. They’re the kind of meal you’ll want to put on repeat, especially once you realize how few dishes they leave behind.

Want more cheesy comfort? Don’t miss our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole next. Now go preheat that oven and make dinner ridiculously tasty tonight.

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