Cheez-It Chicken Tenders

Cheez-It Chicken Tenders (Crispy, Cheesy & Oven-Baked)

These Cheez-It Chicken Tenders are ultra crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor thanks to a crunchy cracker coating. Baked to perfection in under 30 minutes, they make a fun and satisfying dinner the whole family will love. Serve with your favorite dip, mashed potatoes, or fries for the ultimate comfort meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 589 kcal


Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed Cheez-Its or Cheese Nips
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 6 tbsp butter, melted
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt)
  • 3 lbs chicken tenders
  • Optional: Ranch dressing or your favorite dip for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Crush the crackers by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until finely ground (but not powdered).
  3. Mix the coating: In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, and cayenne (if using). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
  4. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Brush each tender with mayonnaise on all sides to help the coating stick.
  5. Bread the tenders: Press each mayo-coated tender into the cracker mixture, making sure the coating sticks well on all sides.
  6. Arrange on the rack: Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared rack. If you don’t have a rack, place them directly on a greased baking sheet (they’ll still turn out delicious!).
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Larger tenders may take a bit longer, so use a meat thermometer to be sure.
  8. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, fries, or a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.

Tips & Notes

  • Substitutions: Mayo can be replaced with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
  • Leftovers: These reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer for crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crunchy.
  • Make-ahead: Bread the tenders and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
  • Smaller tenders: If using small chicken strips, reduce bake time and check for doneness early.

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket, spray the tops with oil, and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.


Nutrition (Per Serving – 3 Tenders)

  • Calories: 589
  • Protein: 54g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 194mg
  • Sodium: 766mg
  • Potassium: 910mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Calcium: 163mg
  • Iron: 2mg

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