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

Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders on tray with dipping sauce

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Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and packed with cheesy flavor—perfect for a quick family dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Made with cheddar, Parmesan, and crunchy panko, these oven-baked tenders are both kid-friendly and adult-approved.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, combine panko, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl.

4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the cheesy breadcrumb mixture.

5. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.

6. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.

8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for optimal melting. These tenders can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal or snack.