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