Okay, so you know those nights when you just NEED something quick, tasty, and that everyone will actually EAT? Yeah, me too! That’s when these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders come to the rescue. Seriously, they’re the ultimate weeknight dinner AND they make an amazing appetizer for game nights or parties. What’s even better? They’re baked, not fried, making them a little bit healthier but still packed with tons of flavor!
I’ve been cooking for what feels like forever (thanks, Mom!), and I’ve perfected this recipe over the years. It started because my kids were always begging for chicken nuggets, but I wanted something homemade. Then I thought, “Why not add some spice and cheese?” And BAM, these delicious tenders were born! Trust me, this recipe is super easy, guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to have these become a regular in your rotation – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love These *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Listen, if you haven’t made these yet, you’re totally missing out! Seriously, here’s why you need these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders in your life:
- Easy Peasy! Seriously, we’re talking about minimal prep time. You can have these babies ready to go into the oven in under 20 minutes. Great for busy weeknights when you’re racing against the clock. No fancy kitchen skills needed—just mix, dip, and bake!
- Flavor Explosion! The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, zesty jalapeños, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs is like fireworks in your mouth. You’ll get tons of flavor with every single bite. The blend is just pure yum!
- Healthier, Baked Goodness! Forget the deep fryer! We’re baking these, so you can enjoy all that crispy, cheesy, spicy goodness without the extra oil and calories. Oven-baked means a lighter, guilt-free meal. Woohoo!
- Versatile Vibes! They’re perfect as a main dish with some fries, a killer app to serve at any gathering, or even as a fun snack. And hey, you can easily customize the spice level to your liking. They’re a winner, folks!
Ingredients for the Best *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Okay, let’s gather your ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this is. You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of those juicy chicken tenders; you can usually find them at the store already prepped. Next up: a cup of shredded cheddar cheese – I recommend the sharp kind for maximum flavor, but use whatever cheese you love! Then, grab ONE large jalapeño. We’ll need to seed it and mince it finely – be careful with that!
Also, don’t forget the breadcrumbs (about a 1/2 cup), a little bit of milk (around 1/4 cup), and some pantry staples to season it up: a teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and just a pinch of black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon). That’s it! Get those ingredients together, and we are ready to roll!
How to Make Delicious *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Making these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders is super easy, even if you’re a kitchen newbie. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a tender-making pro in no time! First things first, turn your oven on, and let’s preheat it. You’re going to want to set that oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t forget this crucial step!
Next up, grab a bowl (a medium-sized one will do) and toss in your shredded cheddar cheese, that finely minced jalapeño (remember to take out the seeds, unless you like it extra spicy!), the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix; you want everything nicely combined.
Now, pour your milk into a separate bowl – a smaller one is fine for this. We’re going to use this as our dipping station. Take each chicken tender and first dip it in the milk, ensuring it’s coated all over. Then, dredge it—that’s a fancy word for coating—in that cheesy, jalapeño breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch is covered!
Place those beautiful, coated tenders onto a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but it’s not totally necessary. Pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked through (no pink!) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Careful, don’t burn them! Pull them out, let them cool a bit (if you can wait!), and serve! You are all set to go!
Tips for Success with Your *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Want those tenders to be absolutely perfect? You got it! Here are a few tips from yours truly – I’ve made these a million times, so trust me, I know what I’m talking about. First off, be sure to coat those chicken tenders *really* well. Make sure every single inch is covered with that cheesy, spicy goodness. You’ll thank me later, I promise!
Oven temperature is key! Don’t rush it by cranking up the heat. Stick to the 400°F (200°C) – it’s just perfect for getting them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. As for doneness, make sure your chicken is *fully* cooked through. The internal temp should be 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, but a good rule of thumb is no pink. Give one a little cut to make sure!
Variations to Spice Up Your *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Okay, let’s get creative! The best part about these Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders is how easy it is to switch things up and make them your own. Want more heat? Keep some of the jalapeño seeds in, or use a spicier pepper like a serrano! Or, try different cheeses! Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack would be amazing and add a whole new flavor dimension.
I also love playing with herbs and spices. A dash of smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. You can also add dried oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mix. Go crazy, have fun, and find your favorite combo! And remember: it’s all about experimenting and making the recipe perfectly YOU!
Serving Suggestions for *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
So, you’ve got these amazing Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders, and now you’re wondering what to serve with them? Don’t worry, I got you covered! For dipping, you can’t go wrong with classic ranch or a cool blue cheese dressing. But hey, feel free to get creative! Honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even just plain ketchup are all winners.
As for sides? Crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or a creamy coleslaw would be perfect. And don’t forget the drinks! I love serving these with a cold beer or a crisp glass of lemonade. Whatever you pick, you can’t go wrong—enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Okay, so let’s say you’re lucky enough to have some delicious Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders leftover (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occasion in my house!). Here’s how to keep those tasty bites fresh. You’ll want to store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge.
For reheating, I always recommend the oven or air fryer for best results. They’ll crisp up wonderfully! Just pop them in at a low temp (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but it might make them a little less crispy. However you choose, enjoy the leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things I get asked all the time about my Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders. Hopefully, this helps you out!
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Hmmm, I haven’t tried this myself, to be honest! I always prefer fresh because I think the texture is on point. That being said, if you’re in a pinch, you *can* probably use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for that great breading.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. You’ll still get that lovely crispy coating without the gluten. Make sure all your other ingredients don’t have gluten. Now you can enjoy those delish Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders and not worry!
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Oh, this is a tough one! It truly depends on your mood. Classic ranch is amazing, of course. For a little heat, a spicy chipotle mayo is to die for. I also LOVE honey mustard, especially if I want to make it sweet AND savory. Honestly, it’s all about what your heart (and taste buds) desire!
Nutritional Information for *Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders*
Okay, heads up, folks! The nutritional info here is just an estimate. It can vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use and how much you measure (I’m a bit of a free-hand cook, myself!). So, take these numbers with a grain of salt (pun intended!). But hey, it’ll give you a general idea!
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Oven-Baked Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these easy, flavorful oven-baked chicken tenders with cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, jalapeño, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour milk into a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender in milk, then coat with the cheese mixture.
- Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeño.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100
Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, cheddar, jalapeño, easy recipe