Crunchy Cheez-It Chicken Tenders
Transform your ordinary chicken tenders into an irresistible treat with these Crunchy Cheez-It Chicken Tenders! Coated in a crispy layer of crushed Cheez-It crackers, these tenders are packed with cheesy flavor and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a family lunch, game day snacks, or a special treat for the kids. Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, these tenders pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. A delightful twist on a classic dish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast tenders
8-10 (trimmed and patted dry)
Cheez-It crackers
1/2-1 cup (crushed)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2% preferred)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Salt
to taste (fine sea salt recommended)
Pepper
to taste (freshly cracked pepper preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3
Place the Cheez-It crackers into a large resealable plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands. It’s okay if there are small chunks; this adds texture!
4
Pour the crushed Cheez-Its onto a large plate.
5
Take each chicken tender and dip it into the milk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
6
Next, roll the dipped chicken tender in the crushed Cheez-Its, pressing down gently to ensure a good coating. For extra crunch, you can repeat the dipping and rolling process.
7
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they're not touching.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken tenders.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These tenders are fantastic served hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Cheez-It Chicken Tenders?
They are a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders where crushed Cheez-It crackers are used as a breading to provide a cheesy flavor and an extra-crunchy texture.
What flavor of Cheez-It crackers should I use?
The original flavor is a classic choice, but you can experiment with White Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Extra Toasty varieties for different flavor profiles.
How do I crush the crackers effectively?
Place the crackers in a large resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy cup to crush them until they reach your desired consistency.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips to create your own tenders before starting the breading process.
At what temperature should I bake the chicken?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for even cooking and a golden-brown finish.
How long does it take to cook these tenders?
Baking typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the tenders from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
How do I ensure the coating stays on the chicken?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dipping it into the milk and egg mixture to help the breading adhere better.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for maximum crunch.
What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce are excellent pairings for these cheesy tenders.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can bread the chicken and keep them on a tray in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking to save time at dinner.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these chicken tenders?
To maintain the crunch, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit rather than using a microwave.
Can I freeze these tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Is there a way to make them extra crunchy?
For a thicker, crunchier crust, you can do a double-dip: dip in the milk mixture, roll in crackers, dip back into the milk, and roll in crackers again.
What can I use if I don't have milk?
You can substitute milk with heavy cream, buttermilk, or even just whisked eggs on their own.
Are these suitable for a party or game day?
Absolutely! They are a perfect finger food that is easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser.
Can I add more spices to the cracker mixture?
Yes, adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crushed crackers can enhance the flavor.
Can I use a food processor to crush the crackers?
Yes, but use the pulse setting briefly to avoid turning the crackers into a fine dust; you want some small chunks for texture.
Can I use this recipe for chicken nuggets?
Yes, simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same breading and baking steps, reducing the bake time slightly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children typically love the familiar cheesy taste of the crackers and the fun crunch of the chicken.
Do I need to flip the chicken while it's in the oven?
It isn't strictly necessary, but flipping them halfway through baking can help both sides get equally crispy.
Can I use Greek yogurt as a binder?
Yes, coating the chicken in plain Greek yogurt before rolling it in the crackers is a great way to keep the chicken moist.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Fine sea salt is recommended as it blends well with the milk and egg mixture.
Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a small amount of oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
How many crackers are in a cup of crushed Cheez-Its?
Approximately 25-30 crackers will yield about half a cup of crushed crumbs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you can find a gluten-free cheese cracker alternative; the standard Cheez-It crackers contain wheat.
Why is my coating soggy?
This usually happens if the oven isn't hot enough or if the chicken wasn't patted dry before the breading process.
Can I use this coating for other proteins?
Yes, this cracker coating also works wonderfully on pork chops or even firm white fish like tilapia.