The Ultimate Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe for Kids

Cheddar dijon chicken tenders bring a tangy twist to classic comfort food that ignites taste buds with unexpected flavor complexity.

Crispy exterior meets tender meat, creating a delightful contrast that changes an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these golden-brown morsels combine sharp cheese and zesty mustard in a harmonious culinary dance.

Sophisticated home cooks crave recipes that elevate everyday ingredients without requiring complicated techniques or rare components.

Each tender delivers a perfect balance of crunch and succulence, promising a memorable dining experience that delights both kids and adults.

The secret lies in strategic seasoning and precise baking, which guarantees maximum flavor and minimal effort.

Preparing this dish requires minimal kitchen skills but produces maximum satisfaction.

Tasty Twists on Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Southwestern Crunch: Add cayenne pepper and ground cumin to the breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips for extra crispiness and a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Mix dried oregano, basil, and crumbled feta cheese into the breadcrumb coating. Top with a dollop of tzatziki sauce after cooking for a fresh Mediterranean touch.
• Parmesan Garlic Kick: Replace cheddar with grated parmesan cheese and add minced garlic and dried parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Serve with a quick garlic aioli for enhanced flavor.
• Coconut Crispy Version: Incorporate shredded coconut into the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical crunch. Mix a small amount of honey into the egg wash for a subtle sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.

Why Everyone Enjoys Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Dive into a crispy chicken tender loaded with sharp cheddar cheese that melts perfectly into the breadcrumb coating, creating an irresistible cheesy crunch.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Hero: Whip up this delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it a lifesaver for busy families and home cooks looking for a hassle-free meal.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy the flexibility of baking in the oven or using an air fryer, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred cooking method without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients That Make These Chicken Tenders Shine

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, tender cuts from chicken breast, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken and adds richness to the coating.

• Breadcrumbs, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Crispy base that provides golden, crunchy exterior with sharp cheese flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of chicken.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the egg mixture.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning on baking sheet or air fryer basket.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that makes cleanup easy and prevents chicken from sticking.

How to Bake Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space

Preheat oven to 375°F or air fryer to 360°F. Gather all ingredients and cooking tools.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Coating Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Dijon mustard

Step 4: Season Chicken Tenders

Sprinkle chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into egg mixture, then roll in cheesy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Oven Cooking Method

Place coated chicken tenders on parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Air Fryer Cooking Method

Arrange chicken tenders in single layer in air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove chicken tenders from oven or air fryer. Let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Tenders Every Time

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor punch and better coating adhesion on the chicken tenders.
• Prevent Soggy Breading: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, well-attached breading that won't fall off during cooking.
• Consistent Thickness Helps: Pound chicken tenders to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Seasoning Secret: Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Rest Before Serving: Let chicken tenders sit for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.

Best Ways to Reheat and Store These Tenders

• Store: Refrigerate leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Reheat: Restore the crispy texture by using the oven or air fryer. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the chicken soggy and tough. For best results, place tenders on a wire rack to help maintain their crunchiness.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their delicious flavor and texture.

What to Serve Alongside Baked Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken tenders, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens up the entire meal.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the Dijon mustard's sharp flavor and cleanses the palate between bites of the cheesy chicken.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Herb-roasted carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts add nutritional balance and earthy flavors that enhance the chicken's cheesy, mustard-infused coating.
• Complement with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: A homemade honey mustard sauce doubles down on the Dijon flavor, offering a sweet and tangy accompaniment that elevates the chicken tenders' taste profile.

Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders deliver a mouthwatering blend of zesty Dijon mustard and sharp cheddar cheese. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make these tender chicken strips a quick, irresistible meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken tenders
• 2 large eggs

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), or prepare the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for an alternative cooking method.
2. Create a crispy coating mixture by blending breadcrumbs with finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a shallow wide container.
3. Prepare a separate mixing bowl and vigorously whisk whole eggs with tangy Dijon mustard until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Generously season raw chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
5. Dunk each chicken tender into the egg and mustard mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Immediately transfer the egg-coated tender into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to create an even, adherent crust.
7. For oven preparation, arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly spritzed with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to encourage uniform browning.
9. For air fryer method, position the tenders in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overcrowding or overlapping.
10. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and ensure complete internal cooking.

Notes

• Prep ahead by setting up two shallow dishes: one for egg-mustard mixture and another for cheesy breadcrumbs to streamline coating process.
• Ensure chicken tenders are evenly coated for maximum crunch and flavor distribution throughout each piece.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy exterior without excess oil.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee chicken is safely cooked through without drying out.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and more intense cheese flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Experiment with different mustard varieties like whole grain or spicy brown to customize the tender’s tang and zest.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg