Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold ranch flavor. This easy-to-make dish delivers a perfect balance of savory and smoky notes, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to use
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) with the ranch seasoning mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then press the coated chicken into the cheese and cracker mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help achieve crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Serve these golden, cheesy tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, swap Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mix offers a spicy kick.
- For extra crunch, bake the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper coating adherence. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.
What dipping sauces go well with crack chicken tenders?
Popular choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo to complement the savory flavors.
PrintCrack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy baked chicken tenders coated in a flavorful mixture of Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, cheddar, Parmesan, and crunchy crushed crackers. This easy oven-baked dish delivers tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crispy crust that pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Ideal for weeknight dinners or game day snacks, these tenders offer a deliciously addictive twist on classic chicken tenders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to use
Coating Base
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing and spraying
Optional Substitutions
- Plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise as dairy-free substitutes
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with the ranch seasoning mix until smooth and evenly combined. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to create the crunchy topping mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt and ranch mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Then press the coated chicken tenders firmly into the cheese and cracker mixture so that each piece is evenly covered with the crunchy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to encourage crispiness during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the golden, crispy crack chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for a deliciously addictive meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated in both the yogurt mixture and the crunchy topping for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Flipping the tenders halfway through baking promotes even browning on both sides.
- You can swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Using crushed Ritz crackers gives a buttery, flaky crust, but panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for texture variation.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer to guarantee it’s safely cooked.
- For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes after baking if desired, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, crispy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, ranch chicken tenders
