Description
This Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe offers a crispy and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. The chicken is coated with a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg wash, then coated with a crunchy blend of cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with melted butter, it’s a delicious and easy meal perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Coating Mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Main
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat a 10×15 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process: one with the flour combined with salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder; one with the beaten egg mixed with milk; and one with the mixture of shredded cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, panko breadcrumbs, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Bread Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture to form a thick, even coating covering the entire piece.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken to help it crisp and brown. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken tenders from the oven and serve hot. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry before breading for better adhesion of coatings.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken is cooked through for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rice Krispies cereal adds a unique crunch but can be substituted with crushed cornflakes if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
