Table Talk: The Secret Ingredient to the Most Flavorful Chicken Tenders Ever

How Cheez-Its Can Transform Chicken Tenders

As a kid, I always loved Cheez-It crackers. There's just something about their salty, cheesy flavor that makes them irresistible. And now, I've discovered a new way to enjoy them - as a coating for chicken tenders.

When crushed up into breadcrumbs, Cheez-Its add a whole new level of crunch and flavor to plain chicken tenders. Trust me, no other breadcrumbs (not even panko!) can compare to the deliciousness of Cheez-Its. Give it a try and you will become a chicken tender lover all over again.

How to Make Chicken Tenders with Cheez-Its

To make Cheez-It coated chicken tenders, start with about a pound of boneless skinless chicken tenders. If you can't find chicken tenders at the store, simply cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch-wide strips.

In a bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Let the chicken marinate in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.

While the chicken marinates, crush about 2 cups of Cheez-It crackers. You can use a rolling pin to crush them in a zip-top bag or blitz them in a food processor until finely ground. Finely crushed crackers work best as larger pieces won't adhere to the chicken properly.

Next, remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, let the excess buttermilk drip off, and coat it in the Cheez-It crumbs. Place the coated chicken on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help them brown and become crispy.

Bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The result? Deliciously crispy chicken tenders that are even better than deep-fried ones.

Experimenting with Flavors

While the original Cheez-It flavor works wonders for chicken tenders, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Cheez-It offers a variety of flavored crackers, such as Pepper Jack, Extra Toasty, and Hot & Spicy, which can add a unique twist to your chicken tenders.

So go ahead and try this secret ingredient in your next chicken tender recipe. You won't be disappointed!