Quick Description
Crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, these chicken tenders are oven-baked to perfection with a crunchy cheese coating instead of breadcrumbs. A protein-packed, keto-friendly alternative to fried chicken strips!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 (about 2 tenders each)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, or a blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor & color)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease parchment paper)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray or oil it.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Coat with Cheese
- In a shallow bowl, mix shredded mozzarella and Parmesan together.
- Press each chicken strip into the cheese mixture, coating generously on all sides.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange chicken strips on the prepared sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cheese is golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Step 5: Serve
- Let cool slightly (cheese will crisp more as it rests).
- Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Additional Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Works well with air fryer: cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Don’t skimp on parchment paper, or cheese will stick!
Dietary Info (per 2 tenders, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 15 g
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs instead of tenders for juicier bites.
- Replace mozzarella with Monterey Jack or provolone for different flavor.
- Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Variations
- Pizza Tenders: Add pepperoni slices before baking.
- Buffalo Style: Toss in hot sauce after baking.
- Ranch Chicken: Mix 1 tbsp ranch seasoning into the cheese blend.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp again.
- Freeze uncooked tenders on a tray, then store in a bag; bake straight from frozen.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without parchment paper?
Not recommended—cheese will stick badly to the pan.
Q: Do I need breadcrumbs?
No! The cheese acts as both coating and crisping agent.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts and crisps better.
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These cheesy baked chicken tenders are the perfect family-friendly dinner, game-day snack, or high-protein meal prep option. Crispy, melty, and absolutely addictive!
