Crunchy Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

These easy Cheez-It breaded chicken fingers transform a beloved snack into crispy, cheesy chicken strips you can make in minutes in the air fryer.

Amazing Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Fingers

If you love Cheez-Its, this recipe finally gives you a delicious reason to use them for dinner. The crackers create an incredibly crisp, cheesy crust that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken.

These chicken fingers work as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes under 20 minutes from start to finish. You will need:

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• Eggs
• Cheez-It crackers
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Olive oil

How to Make Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Fingers

Cut the chicken

Slice the chicken breast into ½-inch thick strips and set them aside.

Make cracker crumbs

Place Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and pulse until the crumbs resemble panko. Transfer the crumbs to a plate and stir in garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt until evenly combined.

Coat the chicken

Whisk two large eggs in a medium bowl. Dip each chicken strip in the egg, then press into the Cheez-It crumb mixture until fully coated. Arrange the coated strips on a plate.

Cook in the air fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer, and drizzle about ½ tablespoon of olive oil over them.

Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes. Flip the strips, drizzle the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil, then air fry for another 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crisp.

Serve & enjoy

Serve the Cheez-It breaded chicken fingers warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders

These Cheez-It crusted chicken fingers taste great on a salad or with any of these dips:

• Ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Blue cheese

Try BBQ sauce or ranch if you prefer a richer dip.

Top Tips for Crispy Chicken Fingers

• Watch cooking time closely—these cook fast at 400°F in the air fryer.
• Use original, full-fat Cheez-Its for best flavor and juiciness.
• Try flavored or spicy Cheez-Its to add a unique kick.

FAQs

Storage

Store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 4 months. Reheated chicken won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but it still tastes great.

To reheat: preheat the air fryer to 350°F and reheat for 2–3 minutes or until hot. For extra crispness, lightly drizzle olive oil before reheating.