Cheesy Crunch Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
These Cheesy Crunch Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on the classic favorite, bringing together the irresistible flavor of Cheez-Its with tender chicken. Perfect for family dinners or a fun-filled cooking activity with your kids, this recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also encourages hands-on participation in the kitchen. The crunchy exterior provides a satisfying contrast to the juicy chicken inside, making these tenders a surefire hit for kids and adults alike. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra treat!
4
Servings
230
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cheez-It crackers
3 cups (Crushed)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Water
1/4 cup (None)
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (None)
Chicken tenders
1 lb (Trimmed and cut into strips if using breasts)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2
In a sturdy zip-lock bag, place the Cheez-It crackers. Seal the bag and let your kids have fun crushing them with their hands, a rolling pin, or any fun object until they’re broken into a mix of small crumbs and larger pieces. Transfer to a shallow dish for easy access.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, crack the eggs, add the water, and whisk together until fully combined. This step can be a great opportunity for kids to practice their whisking skills!
4
Take each chicken tender and dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the crushed Cheez-It mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks. Kids love this messy, hands-on step!
5
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
6
Once all the chicken is on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray to encourage browning.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Check the smaller pieces after 10 minutes to avoid over-cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
8
When done, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!
Nutrition Information
9.75g
Fat
17.25g
Carbs
20.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Crunch Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders?
These are chicken tenders coated in crushed Cheez-It crackers and baked in the oven for a crunchy, cheesy finish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many cups of Cheez-It crackers are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of Cheez-It crackers.
How long do the chicken tenders need to bake?
Bake the tenders for 15 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
How do I crush the Cheez-It crackers?
Place the crackers in a sturdy zip-lock bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin into crumbs.
What ingredients are in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of 2 whisked eggs and 1/4 cup of water.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 230 calories per serving.
How much protein is in these chicken tenders?
Each serving contains 20.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 9.75 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 17.25 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use 1 lb of chicken breasts trimmed and cut into strips.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
What is the secret to making them extra brown and crispy?
Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken with nonstick cooking spray before baking.
Should I check smaller pieces of chicken early?
Yes, check smaller pieces after 10 minutes to avoid over-cooking.
How do I coat the chicken?
Dip each tender in the egg mixture, then roll it in the crushed crackers, pressing gently.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy flavor and crunchy texture make it a surefire hit for kids.
What tasks can kids help with in the kitchen?
Kids can help crush crackers, whisk the eggs, and coat the chicken pieces.
What should I serve with these tenders?
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Do I need to let the chicken cool after baking?
Yes, let the tenders cool slightly before serving.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: Cheez-Its, eggs, water, cooking spray, and chicken.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates 0 grams of sugar.
What kind of texture should the cracker crumbs have?
The crackers should be a mix of small crumbs and larger pieces.
How do I prevent the crackers from falling off?
Press the cracker mixture gently onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg wash.
Can I use a rolling pin to crush the crackers?
Yes, a rolling pin is a great tool for crushing the crackers inside a bag.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is a quick and easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
What is the purpose of adding water to the eggs?
Adding 1/4 cup of water thins the eggs to create a better coating for the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for adults too?
Absolutely, the flavors are designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Are there any dietary tags for this recipe?
Common tags include kid-friendly, oven-baked, cheesy, and quick dinner.