Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make coating: In a bowl, mix panko, cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then press into the cheddar-bacon breadcrumb mixture until well coated.

4. Bake: Arrange chicken on baking sheet. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.