Cheez-It Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
626 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheez-It Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe transforms boneless, skinless chicken tenders into a crispy snack or meal component by coating them first in a lightly seasoned egg wash, then in a crumb mixture of crushed Cheez-It crackers and panko breadcrumbs. Baking at 400°F on a foil-lined sheet pan ensures an evenly cooked chicken with a crunchy, cheesy crust. The combination of Cheez-It crumbs and panko adds unique flavor and texture beyond traditional breading.
Cheez-It Chicken Tenders are ideal for serving as a casual dinner dish or appetizer. They pair well with creamy dips such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and ketchup is an alternative favorite. This makes them suitable for family meals or informal gatherings requiring easy-to-eat finger foods.
Leftover tenders can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to five days, although reheating will soften the coating. For longer storage, freezing is possible up to four months, but crispness may reduce upon thawing and reheating.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cheez-it crackers use regular rather than low-fat
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg large
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 to 1.25 pounds chicken tenders boneless skinless
- ranch dressing blue cheese dressing, ketchup, etc. for serving if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup; set aside.
- To a large ziptop storage bag add the Cheez-It's, seal bag and crush the crackers with your fist from the outside until you have fine crumbs. Tip - Roll a rolling pin, beer bottle, soda can, or something similar over the bag to pulverize the crumbs easily. I don't find it necessary to dirty my food processor for this task.
- Unzip the bag, add the panko, stir to combine; set bag aside.
- To a medium bowl, add the egg, salt, pepper, lightly beat the egg with a fork, add the chicken, and toss and flip chicken with the fork so all pieces are coated evenly.
- Remove chicken from the bowl using the fork (discard excess egg), drop it into the plastic bag, seal bag, and toss and shake bag to evenly coat the chicken.
- Place chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced. Tip - Take the excess crumbs that are in the bag and use your fingers or a spoon to firmly push them onto the chicken in any sparsely coated areas.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, flip midway through cooking if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dip or dressing if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Chicken tenders may be frozen for up to 4 months, though reheated pieces will lose some crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 626 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 626kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 51g | 102% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19g | 112% |
| Cholesterol | 180mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 1291mg | 54% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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