Description
Crunchy oven baked chicken tenders coated in crushed Cheetos for a bold, cheesy crust and juicy interior. These fun and flavorful strips are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups crushed Cheetos
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil spray, light coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
- Place crushed Cheetos in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press firmly into the crushed Cheetos until fully coated.
- Arrange coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack and lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the coating is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Crush the Cheetos finely but leave small crumbs for extra texture.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
- For extra spice, use a spicy Cheetos variety.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4 strips
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg