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.

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.

Melty, Crispy, Irresistible: Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders

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

Scale

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)

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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