Baking Cheesy Chicken Tenders: The Perfect Timing Guide

Chicken tenders are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and baking is a healthier alternative to frying. But how long should you bake chicken tenders covered with cheese? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of cheese, the thickness of the tenders, and your desired level of doneness.

As a general guideline, baking chicken tenders at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes should result in cooked tenders with a juicy interior and crispy exterior. However, it's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

For a simple and delicious recipe, try seasoning your chicken tenders with a blend of spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. You can also bread the tenders with a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. After baking, top the tenders with your favorite type of melted cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your baked chicken tenders with cheese are cooked to perfection and safe to enjoy!

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes

Baking is a great way to cook chicken tenders, and adding cheese can make them even more delicious. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for baking chicken tenders covered with cheese at 350°F for 25-30 minutes:

Preparation:

Before you start baking, there are a few important preparation steps to ensure your chicken tenders turn out juicy and flavourful. Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare your chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring your chicken tenders will be crispy and not soggy. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper or a spice mix of your choice.

Baking Instructions:

Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet or tray. If you're using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easier cleanup. Make sure to leave some space between each tender to allow for even cooking. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet or tray with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the chicken tenders in the oven and set a timer for 25 minutes. While the chicken is baking, you can prepare any side dishes or dipping sauces. Some side dish options include mashed cauliflower, salad, avocado corn salad, or sweet potato cubes.

After 25 minutes, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken tenders. For food safety, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. If the chicken has not yet reached this temperature, return it to the oven and bake in 5-minute increments until it reaches 165°F.

Cheese Options:

Now, let's talk about cheese! There are several types of cheese you can use to cover your chicken tenders. Here are some options:

• Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top of the chicken tenders before baking.
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella can be added on top of the chicken tenders during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top of the chicken tenders a few minutes before they finish baking.
• Swiss cheese: Sliced Swiss cheese can be placed on top of the chicken tenders during the last few minutes of baking to allow it to melt.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. You can also try mixing multiple cheeses together for an even more indulgent dish.

Final Thoughts:

Baking chicken tenders at 350°F for 25-30 minutes is a great way to ensure they are cooked through while remaining juicy and tender. Adding cheese takes this dish to the next level, providing a delicious flavour and texture contrast. Enjoy your cheesy baked chicken tenders!

Use breadcrumbs for a crispy texture

Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in achieving a crispy texture for your chicken tenders. Panko breadcrumbs, in particular, are highly recommended for the best crunch and golden colour. Panko breadcrumbs are larger in size and lighter in texture than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for a crispy coating without the need for frying.

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process. In the first dish, mix flour with seasoned salt. In the second dish, whisk together eggs with a little water and some seasoned salt. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs with seasonings. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for this step. If you want an extra crunchy texture, consider toasting the breadcrumbs in the oven for a few minutes before coating the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by removing the tendon (the white stringy piece) from the chicken tenders, as this can become tough and chewy. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into strips.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Place the breaded chicken tenders on a greased baking rack or a foil-lined baking sheet. Spray the tenders with cooking spray to help them turn golden brown during baking.

Bake in the oven at 425°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The tenders are done when the coating is golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Use a baking rack instead of a baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the chicken, crisping it up on all sides without needing to flip them.
• Don't skip the flour step, as it helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere evenly to the chicken.
• If you like your chicken tenders extra crispy, place them under the broiler for a few minutes after baking, but be careful not to burn them.
• Add some Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and texture.

Don't cover chicken when baking

While it may be tempting to cover your chicken with foil when baking, there are several reasons why it's best to leave it uncovered.

Firstly, baking chicken uncovered allows for proper air circulation, which helps the chicken cook evenly. This is especially important for dishes like chicken tenders, where you want to achieve a crispy exterior. By leaving the chicken uncovered, you allow the heat to directly reach the surface of the chicken, resulting in that desirable golden-brown colour and crispy texture.

Secondly, exposing the chicken to direct heat promotes browning and caramelisation, which adds depth of flavour. The Maillard reaction, triggered by this direct heat, creates those savoury and complex flavours on the surface of the chicken that we all love.

Another benefit of not covering your chicken is that it reduces excess moisture. This is particularly useful if you're aiming for crispy skin or prefer a drier surface. By avoiding a cover, it's easier to control the moisture level and achieve the specific texture you're looking for.

Leaving the chicken uncovered also speeds up the cooking process. The direct heat exposure allows for faster cooking, which is advantageous when you're short on time or simply want to get dinner on the table quickly.

Finally, by not covering your chicken, you can easily monitor its progress and colour. This helps prevent overcooking, which can result in dry and tough chicken. With the chicken uncovered, you can keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches the perfect golden-brown colour.

So, the next time you're baking chicken tenders or any other chicken dish, remember to leave it uncovered for that perfect combination of crispy texture and juicy flavour.

Marinate chicken in buttermilk

Marinating chicken in buttermilk is a great way to tenderise the meat and add flavour. The natural acidity of the buttermilk helps to tenderise the chicken, and also adds a tangy taste. The chicken should be marinated for at least two hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to soak in.

To prepare the buttermilk marinade, whisk together buttermilk, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Remove the excess air from the bag and seal. Place the bag in the refrigerator and leave to marinate for two to eight hours.

After the chicken has been left to marinate, remove it from the refrigerator and transfer the chicken pieces to a dry ingredient bag, shaking well to coat. You can then repeat the process by dipping the chicken pieces in the buttermilk marinade again and shaking in the dry coating.

When you are ready to cook the chicken, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and place the chicken pieces in the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat should read at least 165°F.

You can also bake buttermilk-marinated chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the chicken on a rack so the excess marinade can drip off. Line a roasting pan with foil and place the chicken in the pan, drizzling with oil. Roast for 45 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F and continue roasting for around 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced.

Use an air fryer instead of an oven

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying, an air fryer is a great option. It uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a crispy texture without the excess fat. Here's a guide on how to make chicken tenders covered with cheese in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil)
• Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme, oregano, and basil (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese of your choice (shredded or sliced)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders and toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
• In a separate small bowl, mix your chosen spices and herbs together. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled chicken tenders, ensuring an even coating.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. For the best results, flip them halfway through the cooking process.
• Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, top each tender with cheese. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted to your liking.
• Serve the chicken tenders immediately with your choice of dipping sauces and sides.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Allow for adequate air circulation by arranging the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
• If you prefer your cheese browned, broil the tenders for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
• Get creative with your cheese choices! Try using cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Frequently asked questions