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Serving Crack Chicken Tenders Meal

Crack Chicken Tenders

Recipe by Mya Williams

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  • Total Time40 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy ranch chicken tenders baked in the oven for an easy, kid friendly dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 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
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray so the tenders do not stick.
  2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and set them aside. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better and crisp in the oven.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and the ranch seasoning mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed Ritz crackers or panko, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix until the crumbs and cheese are evenly seasoned.
  5. Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken tender into the yogurt and ranch mixture, turning to coat it fully. Let any extra drip back into the bowl.
  6. Press the coated chicken tender into the cheese and cracker mixture, gently pressing on all sides so the crust sticks in a thick, even layer. Place the coated tender on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders, spacing them out on the baking sheet so they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them.
  8. Bake the Crack Chicken Tenders for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cook time so both sides can crisp. The tenders are done when the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.

Notes

Storage: Let leftover Crack Chicken Tenders cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat on a baking sheet in a 350 F oven or in an air fryer until the coating is hot and crisp again. You can also freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Substitutions: Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor. Use gluten free breadcrumbs instead of crackers for a gluten friendly option, and choose dairy free shredded cheese and plant based yogurt or mayo to make the recipe dairy free. You can replace chicken tenders with strips of chicken breast if needed.

Make Ahead: Coat the chicken tenders and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. When you are ready to cook, spray with cooking spray and bake as directed, adding a minute or two if they are very cold from the fridge.

Tips: Crush crackers into fine crumbs for the most even, crunchy crust. Avoid using too thick a layer of yogurt or mayonnaise so the coating does not slide off. A wire rack set over the baking sheet helps keep the bottoms of the tenders crisp during baking.

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, calculate nutrition using your exact products and serving sizes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg