Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a crunchy, flavor-packed sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These Cheese Cracker Chicken Tenders are not just another boring chicken recipe – they're a game-changing culinary experience that combines the nostalgic crunch of your favorite childhood cheese crackers with perfectly tender, juicy chicken. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: - In the first dish, place the flour and season with salt and pepper - In the second dish, crack and whisk the eggs until well combined - In the third dish, crush the cheese crackers into fine crumbs
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed cheese cracker crumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tender to ensure crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the coating to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your chicken tenders completely dry before coating. This ensures the flour and cracker crumbs stick perfectly, creating an extra crispy exterior.
- Crush Crackers Strategically: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs. Uneven crumbs can lead to patchy coating.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for that perfect golden-brown crunch.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between tenders on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring each piece gets crispy all around.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the tenders to sit for 3-5 minutes after baking. This helps the coating set and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy BBQ, or classic ranch to keep things interesting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
