Crack 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/
