Okay, who doesn’t love a good chicken tender? But let’s be honest, the fried ones can be a real mess to make, right? That’s why I’m SO excited to share my secret weapon for weeknights: Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders! Seriously, these are a game-changer. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken, packed with that sharp cheddar goodness and just a little kick from the jalapeños – all baked right in your oven. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I needed something fast and kid-approved. That’s when these came to the rescue! They’re unbelievably easy and taste SO much better than you’d expect for something so simple. Get ready for your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
So, why are these my absolute favorite? Let me tell you:
- Super Easy Weeknight Savior: We’re talking minimal fuss for maximum flavor. Dinner on the table in less than an hour? Yes, please!
- Flavor Explosion! That combo of sharp cheddar and just-enough jalapeño is seriously addictive. It’s a little cheesy, a little spicy, and totally delicious.
- Crispy Perfection, Baked! Forget the greasy mess of frying. You get that satisfying crunch and golden-brown goodness, all thanks to your oven.
- Kid-Approved (and Adult-Approved!): Even the pickiest eaters will gobble these up, and you’ll love them just as much.
Gather Your Ingredients for Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of these tenders is that they use stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into those perfect tender strips.
- 1 cup of good, crisp panko breadcrumbs – trust me, panko is king for crunch!
- 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but use what you love!
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh jalapeños. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about adjusting the spice later!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Easy peasy flavor boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Adds another layer of savory goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Just a pinch to bring out all those flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
- 2 large eggs, whisked up good with 1 tablespoon of milk. This is our binder!
Honestly, using good quality ingredients here really makes a difference. Fresh chicken and vibrant jalapeños mean you’re already halfway to deliciousness!
Essential Equipment for Baking Your Chicken Tenders
Okay, you don’t need a whole fancy setup for these! Just a few basics will do the trick:
- A trusty baking sheet.
- Some parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
- A couple of shallow dishes or bowls – one for the egg wash, and one for your amazing panko mixture.
- A good old-fashioned whisk for the eggs.
- And of course, a knife and cutting board for your chicken and jalapeños!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get these amazing tenders into your oven! It’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every single step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time! Think of it like making a super easy sheet pan dinner, but way more fun.
Preparing the Chicken and Coating Mixtures
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot when those tenders are ready to go in. While the oven’s doing its thing, grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is such a lifesaver for cleanup, trust me! Now, in one shallow dish, whisk up your two eggs with that tablespoon of milk. This is our trusty egg wash that helps everything stick. In another dish, get your flavor party started: combine the panko breadcrumbs, that yummy grated cheddar, your finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give that a good mix so all those delicious flavors are distributed evenly. Make sure those jalapeños are really finely chopped so they bake up nicely.
Coating and Arranging the Chicken Tenders
Okay, now for the fun part! Take one chicken tender strip and dip it into the egg mixture. Coat it all over, then let any extra drip back into the dish. We don’t want too much, just enough to make it sticky. Next, pick up that egg-coated tender and give it a good dredge in the panko and cheese mixture. Press gently with your fingers to make sure that coating really sticks on there! You want every inch covered for that ultimate crunch. Once a tender is perfectly coated, carefully place it on your prepared baking sheet. Try to lay them out in a single layer, giving them a little bit of space between each one. This is key for getting them nice and crispy instead of steamy, kind of like how you arrange everything on a sheet pan for fajitas so it cooks evenly!
Baking Your Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders to Perfection
Now that your beautiful tenders are all lined up, pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. They’ll need about 20-25 minutes in there. Here’s a pro tip for super even cooking: halfway through, about 10-12 minutes in, carefully flip each tender over. This ensures both sides get gloriously golden brown and extra crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you’re looking for that coating to be a beautiful golden color and the chicken itself to be cooked all the way through. When in doubt, you can always check the internal temperature with a thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C). Pair these with some chicken alfredo pasta for a truly amazing meal!
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea, but let me give you a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to make these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders absolutely sing! You want that perfect crunch, right? So, my biggest tip is don’t overcrowd the pan! Give each tender some breathing room on that baking sheet. If they’re all squished together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up, and nobody wants a soggy tender. Also, make sure that panko mixture *really* sticks – give them a gentle press after dredging. And speaking of spice, if you want them extra fiery, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in there, or even chop them a bit finer. For a milder kick, make sure to scoop out all those seeds and the white pithy bits. These go great with some cheesy garlic bread!
Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
Aaaah, ingredients! They’re the heart of it all, aren’t they? With these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders, the star players are pretty straightforward. The cheddar cheese is key, of course – I’m all about sharp cheddar for that punch, but feel free to reach for a Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack if you want to amp things up. And the jalapeños! If you’re sensitive to heat, definitely scrape out all those seeds and the white pithy bits inside; that’s where most of the heat lives. Or, for a milder flavor, you could even swap them out for some finely diced bell pepper – though you’d miss that signature kick! Just remember, the better the ingredients, the tastier the final result, like in this delicious monterey chicken spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Tenders
So, you’ve got these amazing Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders ready to go! What should you serve them with, you ask? Oh, the possibilities! For a classic comforting meal, you can’t go wrong with some creamy mashed potatoes. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more light and fresh, a crisp Caesar salad is absolutely perfect to balance out that cheesy, spicy goodness. And, of course, you’ll need some dips! Ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy diablo sauce would be fantastic. Honestly, they’re so good, they can stand on their own!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders are still pretty delicious the next day. Just pop them into an airtight container and pop ’em in the fridge. They should be good for about 2-3 days. Now, when you’re ready to reheat them and get that crispy coating back? Skip the microwave! It can make them a bit soggy. Your best bet is to pop them back into a hot oven (around 375°F or 190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and nicely crisped up again. This way, they’ll taste almost as good as the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions about Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Making these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders is pretty foolproof, but it’s always good to know the little things.
Can I make these tenders less spicy?
Absolutely! If you’re worried about the heat, the easiest fix is to carefully scrape out all the seeds and the white pith from your jalapeños before chopping them. That’s where most of the spicy stuff lives! You could also try using just half a jalapeño, or even skip them if you’re really sensitive to spice.
How do I ensure the chicken tenders are crispy?
Ah, the quest for crispiness! Make sure your panko mixture really adheres well to the chicken after dipping it in the egg wash – give it a gentle press. Also, and this is super important, don’t crowd the baking sheet! Give each tender some space so the hot air can circulate all around it. Baking at the right temperature, 400°F, is crucial too!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You bet! While cheddar is fantastic here, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and is a great choice. Pepper Jack will add even more heat if you’re feeling brave, or a mild Colby would also do the trick. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Now, a little note on nutrition! Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, of course. They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how big you cut your chicken tenders. But generally, you’re looking at about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 20g of carbs per serving. Pretty great for something so darn tasty, right?
Share Your Creations!
I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all make in your kitchens! If you whip up these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders, please, please share! Leave a quick rating below, or even better, snap a picture and tag me on social media. Seeing your delicious creations makes my day and helps others discover these yummy recipes. You can find more dinner ideas inspiration right here!
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Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful chicken tenders baked in the oven with cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each chicken tender strip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge the egg-coated chicken strip in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even browning.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar if desired.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, cheddar jalapeño, crispy chicken, easy recipe, weeknight dinner