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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Coating Creation: Combine breadcrumbs and sharp cheddar cheese in a shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of cheese throughout the crumb mixture.
- 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.
- Seasoning: Generously season chicken tenders with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly coated with the spices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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