Looking for the perfect appetizer that combines crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness? Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers are just what you need! These chicken tenders are coated with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, generously loaded with cheddar cheese and bacon, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re entertaining guests, serving up a family dinner, or just treating yourself to a snack, these chicken fingers are sure to become your new go-to recipe.
Let’s explore the details of this delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, which will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers
Chicken fingers are a classic appetizer loved by both kids and adults, but these Loaded Cheddar and bacon Chicken Fingers take it up a notch. Imagine crispy chicken tenders coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and then loaded with gooey cheddar cheese and savory crumbled bacon. These flavors meld together perfectly, offering a delightful contrast of textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Not only are these chicken fingers packed with flavor, but they’re also easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The best part? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients for Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need for this mouthwatering appetizer. Here’s the full list of ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
These ingredients are easy to find at any local grocery store, so you can get started with minimal effort. Plus, you’ll probably already have most of them in your pantry, making this recipe even more convenient.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
What sets Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers apart from regular chicken tenders? It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures. The crispy panko breadcrumbs give these chicken fingers a crunchy coating, while the melted cheddar cheese provides richness and gooeyness. The bacon adds that salty, smoky flavor that takes this appetizer over the top.
Whether you’re serving these at a party or enjoying them as a quick snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get cooking and discover how easy it is to make these delicious chicken fingers!
Directions for Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to get to the fun part making these tasty chicken fingers! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will wow everyone:
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken fingers cook evenly and get golden brown and crispy. To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
While the oven is heating up, it’s time to get your chicken ready. Take your chicken tenders and set them aside. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. This mixture will form the flavorful crust that will coat your chicken tenders.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken fingers and give them an irresistible savory taste.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: coating the chicken tenders! Start by dipping each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. This step ensures that the breadcrumb mixture sticks to the chicken.
Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure that the coating adheres well to the chicken. The goal is to create a nice, even layer of breadcrumbs, cheese, and bacon around each piece of chicken.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place each coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This is important because it allows the chicken fingers to cook evenly and get crispy all over. For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray.
5. Bake the Chicken Fingers
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
If you like your chicken fingers extra crispy, feel free to broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken fingers are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the coating set and ensure the chicken remains juicy. Serve your Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce whether it’s ranch, BBQ sauce, or a zesty honey mustard. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown of this tasty appetizer:
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
These chicken fingers are a delicious treat, but they’re still relatively light when compared to other fried appetizers. Plus, they’re packed with protein, so you’ll feel satisfied after enjoying them.
Tips for Perfect Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers
To make sure your chicken fingers turn out perfect every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh bacon: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked bacon and crumble it yourself. This gives the chicken a nice, smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a crispy coating that’s essential for this recipe.
- Make it extra cheesy: If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. The more, the better!
- Check the internal temperature: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, always use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is quite flexible, and you can easily customize it based on your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
- Make it spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture or dip the chicken fingers in a spicy dipping sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add different cheeses: While cheddar cheese is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers
These chicken fingers are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside them:
- French fries: You can’t go wrong with classic crispy fries. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw is a great side dish that balances the richness of the chicken fingers.
- Veggies and dip: For a healthier option, serve some fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a tasty ranch or hummus dip.
- Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Why These Chicken Fingers Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a party, or looking for a quick snack, Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Plus, they’re versatile serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Popular Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers, you’ll also want to check out these other mouthwatering recipes:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Nachos – The Ultimate Party Snack
- Sizzling Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip – Irresistible Cheesy Delight
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread – A Cheesy Delight
Conclusion
Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers are the perfect appetizer that everyone will love. With their crispy coating, gooey cheese, and savory bacon, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for dinner, these chicken fingers are packed with flavor and so easy to make. Try them out today and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-y goodness!
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Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers – A Must-Try Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers are a deliciously crispy, cheesy treat that will become your new favorite appetizer. Each tender is coated with a flavorful mix of shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and panko breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners, these chicken fingers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken Fingers: Bake the chicken fingers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Chicken Fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and crispy treat!
Notes
- If you prefer extra crispy chicken fingers, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can swap out the cheddar cheese for other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Serve these chicken fingers with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2-3 tenders)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Loaded Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders, Cheddar Bacon Chicken Fingers, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Baked Chicken Fingers, Bacon Cheddar Chicken Appetizer, Chicken Finger Recipe, Cheddar Chicken Tenders, Easy Chicken Appetizers