Cheez-It Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional chicken tenders, featuring a crunchy coating made from Cheez-It crackers. Perfect for a quick dinner or a game-day snack, these tenders are easy to make and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or ketchup.
In a cozy little town where culinary creativity thrived, there was a popular diner known for its inventive comfort food. Among the array of mouthwatering dishes on the menu, one item stood out and became the talk of the town: Cheez-It Chicken Tenders.
The story began with a young chef named Emma, who had a passion for experimenting with flavors and textures. She had always loved the crunchy, cheesy goodness of Cheez-It crackers and often snacked on them while brainstorming new recipes. One evening, as she prepared for the diner’s busy dinner rush, she found herself staring at a box of Cheez-Its, contemplating their potential beyond snacking.
With a burst of inspiration, Emma decided to create a unique chicken tender recipe that would elevate the classic dish. She envisioned the perfect combination of juicy chicken, a crispy coating, and a burst of cheesy flavor that would leave diners craving more.
Emma gathered her ingredients: boneless chicken tenders, Cheez-It crackers, and a few simple seasonings. She crushed the crackers into fine crumbs, mixing them with panko breadcrumbs to add extra crunch. After whisking together an egg with salt and pepper, she tossed the chicken in the mixture, ensuring every piece was evenly coated. The moment she dropped the chicken into the bag filled with the Cheez-It crumbs and gave it a good shake, she knew she was onto something special.
As the chicken tenders baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma wafted through the diner, drawing in customers from the street. When Emma pulled the golden tenders out, they looked absolutely irresistible. She plated them beautifully, serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch and blue cheese dressing. The first bite was a revelation—crunchy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. Emma had transformed a humble snack into a delectable dish that would soon become a fan favorite.
Word of Emma’s Cheez-It Chicken Tenders spread like wildfire. Families came in for dinner, kids begged their parents to order them, and food critics raved about the innovative dish. The diner quickly became a bustling hotspot, with people lining up to taste the magic of Emma’s creation.
Inspired by the overwhelming love for her tenders, Emma decided to host “Cheez-It Night” every month, inviting customers to come and enjoy different variations of the dish, including spicy, barbecue-glazed, and even a sweet version served with a honey mustard dip. The community rallied around this event, and it became a beloved tradition, strengthening the bonds between the diner and its patrons.
Through her creativity and passion for cooking, Emma not only created a delicious dish but also brought her community together. The Cheez-It Chicken Tenders became more than just a meal; they were a symbol of innovation and connection, reminding everyone that sometimes, the simplest ideas can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes.
And so, the story of Cheez-It Chicken Tenders continued, each bite filled with the warmth of community and the joy of sharing good food. Emma’s little diner remained a place where culinary dreams came true, one cheesy tender at a time.
What’s in the Cheez-It Chicken Tenders?
The main ingredients for Cheez-It Chicken Tenders include:
- Cheez-It Crackers: For a crunchy, cheesy coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: To add extra crispiness.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders: The main protein source.
- Egg: To ensure the coating sticks to the chicken.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning.
How to Make Cheez-It Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and give it a light spray with cooking spray or oil.
- Crush the Cheez-Its: Place the Cheez-It crackers in a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and crush the crackers using a rolling pin or your hands until they resemble fine crumbs.
- Mix Coatings: Open the bag, add the panko breadcrumbs, and mix them together by shaking the bag gently.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together one egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the egg mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Transfer the chicken tenders into the bag with the Cheez-It mixture. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated with the crunchy mixture.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the tenders from the oven and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Can I Use Regular Breadcrumbs Instead of Panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, but the texture will differ. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving the tenders a crunchier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, consider adding a bit more seasoning or some additional crunch from crushed crackers to achieve a similar effect.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for as long as 4 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
Here are some popular dipping sauces to serve with Cheez-It Chicken Tenders:
- Ranch Dressing: A classic creamy dip that complements the crunchiness.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Perfect for those who enjoy a strong, tangy flavor.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that pairs well with the cheese flavor.
- Ketchup: The go-to dipping sauce for many!
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky, sweet contrast.
Tips for Making Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken tenders instead of frozen.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the Cheez-It mixture for an extra kick.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the chicken tenders on the baking sheet, make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier exterior, broil the chicken tenders for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the tenders to rest for a couple of minutes after baking to help the coating set and improve texture.
Cheez-It Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Cheez-It Crackers preferably regular, not low-fat
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- Dipping sauces ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, ketchup, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to simplify cleanup. Set it aside.
- Crush the Cheez-Its: Place the Cheez-It crackers in a large zip-top storage bag. Seal the bag and crush the crackers by squeezing with your fist or rolling over them with a rolling pin, beer bottle, or similar object until you have fine crumbs.
- Combine Coatings: Open the bag, add the panko breadcrumbs, and stir well to mix. Set this bag aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing them with a fork until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Coat the Chicken: Using the fork, lift the chicken out of the bowl (discard any excess egg). Transfer the chicken into the bag with the Cheez-It mixture, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is well coated.
- Bake the Tenders: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Use any remaining crumbs from the bag to press onto areas that may need extra coating.
- Cooking Time: Bake the chicken tenders for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through if desired. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
- For added crispiness, consider flipping the tenders halfway through baking.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 4 months (note that reheating may affect crispiness).
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 626 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
- Sodium: 1291 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Cheez-It Chicken Tenders are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a unique twist to the classic chicken tender. With their crunchy, cheesy coating and juicy interior, these tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family. The combination of Cheez-It crackers and panko breadcrumbs creates a texture that’s both satisfying and delicious, while the versatility in dipping sauces adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Whether you’re serving them with ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty barbecue sauce, these chicken tenders are sure to please. Plus, with simple storage options, leftovers can easily be enjoyed later. Try making these Cheez-It Chicken Tenders for your next meal, and experience the joy of a dish that’s not only scrumptious but also packed with flavor and nostalgia. Enjoy the crunch and savor every bite!
