Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Place chicken tenders in a bowl or zip-top bag with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This makes the chicken super tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Crush the Cheez-Its
Add Cheez-Its to a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until you get fine crumbs. Pour into a shallow dish or bowl.

Step 3: Set up the dredging station
In one bowl, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In the third, pour the crushed Cheez-Its. Line them up for easy dipping.

Step 4: Coat the chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and press into the Cheez-It crumbs until fully coated. Press firmly to help the crumbs stick.

Step 5: Cook the tenders
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
To air fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray tenders lightly with oil. Cook in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
To pan-fry: Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Serve hot
Serve with your favorite sauces—ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, or sweet chili—and watch them disappear.