Let’s talk about a dish that checks all the boxes: crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Yep, I’m talking about Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders—the recipe your busy weeknight (or game-day snack spread) didn’t know it needed.
If your kids are mozzarella fanatics or you’re just looking for a new way to make chicken exciting again (because yes, chicken can be exciting), this one’s a total winner. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy chicken tender only to be met with a glorious, melty mozzarella center. It’s gooey, it’s garlicky, and yes, it totally lives up to the “lava” name.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, treating yourself after a long day, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, these Mozzarella Chicken tenders will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders
- They’re melty, cheesy , and indulgent—without being complicated.
- Perfect for dipping into marinara (or ranch…we don’t judge).
- Great for meal prepping or freezing for later.
- A creative spin on classic mozzarella chicken that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and flavorful:
- Fresh basil leaves (totally optional, but a pretty pop of color)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (pack it tight for ultimate lava vibes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for that essential dip moment)
Let’s Make These Cheesy Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the tenders
Take each chicken tender and make a small slit down the center—kind of like a pocket. Don’t cut all the way through! You’re creating a cozy little cave for your mozzarella to melt inside.
Step 2: Stuff ‘em up
Take a small pinch of shredded mozzarella and gently stuff it into each tender. Don’t go overboard—we want a lava effect, not a cheese explosion (unless you’re into that kind of chaos).
Step 3: Set up your breading station
In three separate bowls:
- One with the flour.
- One with the beaten eggs.
- One with the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Coat and conquer
Dip each stuffed tender first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated—this is what gives them that beautiful crunch.
Step 5: Bake or fry (you choose!)
- Oven: Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Air fryer: 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Deep fry: Fry in hot oil (350°F) for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with a few torn basil leaves and serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side. Watch as that mozzarella flows out with each bite. Cue the oohs and aahs.
Aneta’s Tip: The Cheese Trick
If you’re worried about the cheese sneaking out during cooking (been there!), you can freeze the stuffed tenders for 10-15 minutes before breading. It helps the mozzarella stay right where you want it—inside, molten, and magical.
How This Recipe Became a Family Favorite
The first time I made these, it was on a whim for a Friday movie night. I wanted something fun, a little indulgent, and—let’s be real—something that would bribe my kids to eat without a fuss. One bite in and they were hooked. Now, it’s a go-to for birthday parties, game nights, or anytime I want to feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort
FAQS About Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Sure! Just make sure to use small pieces and drain them well—fresh mozzarella has more moisture and might leak out faster.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze after breading (before cooking) for up to 2 months. Just bake straight from frozen—add an extra 5-10 minutes to your cook time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The results are still gloriously gooey and crunchy.
How do you know when chicken tenders are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—look for an internal temp of 165°F. If you cut into one and see clear juices and white meat, you’re good to go!
How do you keep chicken tenders moist?
The key is not overcooking them. Also, the cheese inside helps lock in some moisture. For extra juiciness, you can marinate them ahead of time or give them a quick milk soak before breading.
What does soaking chicken tenders in milk do?
Soaking in milk (or buttermilk) helps tenderize the meat and makes the coating stick better. It also adds a subtle richness that makes your tenders super moist and flavorful. Basically, milk = magic.
What makes chicken tender?
Tender chicken comes down to three things: not overcooking, adding moisture (like marinades or a milk soak), and cutting against the grain if you’re slicing. Also, choosing good-quality chicken tenders helps a lot—they’re naturally more tender than other cuts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving something cozy, looking to switch up your usual mozzarella chicken routine, or just want a dish that’ll make the dinner table go silent (except for the crunching), these Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders are it.
Easy, cheesy , and packed with flavor—they’re proof that chicken doesn’t have to be boring. Go ahead, grab that marinara, and dig in. Your taste buds will thank you
Craving More Cheesy, Comforting Chicken Recipes?
If these gooey Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders made your day, here are a few more irresistible dishes to keep the comfort food train rolling :
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: A cozy, flavor-packed twist on classic meatloaf with a golden garlic-parmesan crust your family will crave again and again.
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight: Creamy, dreamy, and just the right touch of sweet heat—this mac and cheese is a dinner hero.
- Melted Mozzarella and Ranch Chicken Bombs: These melty bites are bursting with ranch-seasoned goodness and mozzarella magic in every bite.
- Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate comfort soup—creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken and noodles to warm you from the inside out.
These recipes are perfect for busy nights, cozy weekends, or anytime you need something delicious without the fuss. Enjoy, friend! 💛
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Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and made to impress. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or an easy weeknight treat, each tender is stuffed with gooey mozzarella, seasoned just right, and ready to be dipped into warm marinara. A fun and flavorful twist on classic mozzarella chicken!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F or set your air fryer to 400°F.
Slice a pocket into each chicken tender, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each pocket with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each stuffed tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.
Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Bake for 20–25 minutes (or air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway), until golden brown and cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For extra cheesy goodness without leaks, freeze stuffed tenders for 10–15 minutes before breading.
Want to go gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs—still super crispy!
Try it with ranch or honey mustard for a fun dipping twist.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tenders
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg