Crispy Golden Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

Succulent chicken tenders coated in a zesty baked cheddar Dijon chicken tenders recipe bring a mouthwatering twist to weeknight dinners.

The golden-brown exterior promises a crispy crunch that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

Tangy Dijon mustard merges beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese, creating an irresistible coating that locks in juicy chicken flavor.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this dish a quick and delectable option for busy home cooks.

The blend of creamy cheese and spicy mustard delivers a complex flavor profile that elevates ordinary chicken tenders.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, succulent meat.

You’ll want to serve these immediately, straight from the oven, while they’re piping hot and impossibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a rich, tangy flavor profile with extra crispy texture.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial glue to help breading stick perfectly to chicken tenders.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a zesty, sharp kick that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Tenders: Select fresh, high-quality tenders with minimal fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the natural taste of chicken and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures even browning and prevents sticking during baking or air frying.
• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy cleanup and uniform cooking.

Tools & Equipment for Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for oven cooking.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick liner for easy cleanup.
• Shallow dishes: Two separate containers for egg and breadcrumb mixtures.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing eggs and Dijon mustard smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Precise ingredient measurement.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds light oil coating.
• Air fryer basket (optional): For crispy alternative cooking method.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning chicken tenders midway through cooking.

How to Make Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Oven Preparation Warm up your oven to create the perfect cooking environment for a delightful chicken experience.
• Coating Creation Mix crunchy breadcrumbs with sharp cheddar cheese to form a magical crispy layer that will make taste buds dance.
• Flavor Fusion Whisk eggs with zesty Dijon mustard, creating a smooth blend that will give your chicken incredible depth and excitement.
• Chicken Transformation Gently dunk each tender into the mustard mixture, then roll in the cheesy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every inch gets covered in deliciousness.
• Cooking Magic For oven method, spread chicken on a lined baking sheet and cook until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. For air fryer enthusiasts, arrange tenders in a single layer and cook 15-18 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee perfect crunchiness on all sides.

Pro Tip: Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in those amazing flavors and ensure maximum juiciness.

Tips & Variations for Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Explore Tasty Twists and Smart Cooking Hacks
• Replace cheddar with parmesan, monterey jack, or gruyère for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic recipe.
• Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty kick that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing crunch.
• Whip up quick accompaniments like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to complement the savory chicken tenders and add extra excitement to your meal.

Serving Ideas for Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Serve With Zesty Side Salad: Create a vibrant green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the crispy chicken tenders.
• Pair With Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey mustard or ranch dressing to add extra flavor and moisture to the golden-brown chicken tenders.
• Complete the Meal with Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasoned broccoli, carrots, or asparagus in the oven alongside the chicken for a nutritious and colorful side dish that balances the cheesy coating.
• Build a Casual Dinner Spread: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter with the suggested sides, perfect for family-style dining or casual weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy.

Meal Planning & Storage for Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty in the refrigerator.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness, avoiding soggy texture from microwave reheating.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled chicken tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch during weekend cooking, creating quick protein options for busy weeknight dinners or packed lunches.

Tangy Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar Dijon chicken tenders blend tangy mustard with sharp cheese for a flavor explosion. Crispy exterior and juicy interior ensure delightful bites you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) chicken tenders
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 360°F (182°C), positioning rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
2. Coating Creation: Combine breadcrumbs and sharp cheddar cheese in a shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of cheese throughout the crumb mixture.
3. Egg Mixture: Whisk whole eggs and Dijon mustard in a separate bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a tangy binding agent for the chicken.
4. Seasoning: Generously season chicken tenders with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly coated with the spices.
5. Coating Process: Dip each seasoned tender into the egg-mustard mixture, then immediately transfer to the cheese-breadcrumb blend, pressing firmly to create a uniform, adherent crust that fully envelops the chicken.
6. Baking Technique: For oven method, arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, leaving space between each piece to promote even browning.
7. Cooking Completion: Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway through cooking to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration and thorough internal cooking; alternatively, for air fryer method, arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping once to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor punch; freshly grated cheese melts and binds better than pre-packaged versions.
• Coating Technique Tip: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy layer that won’t easily fall off during cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, preventing dry or undercooked meat.
• Moisture Preservation: Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tender texture, preventing dryness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg