Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
This Crack Chicken Tenders recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated with a flavorful ranch seasoning and a crispy, cheesy crust. Featuring a creamy Greek yogurt base mixed with ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, these chicken tenders are baked until golden and bubbly, making for an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating:
- 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, for greasing
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if avoiding gluten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and help the chicken develop a golden crust.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, forming a creamy, seasoned base for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Add the chicken tenders into the bowl and toss them gently but thoroughly until each piece is fully coated with the yogurt and cheese mixture.
- Apply Crust: Transfer the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs to a shallow dish. Roll each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even, crispy crust forms all around.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Crack Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if preferred, but yogurt adds tang and reduces fat.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise and skip the cheese or find vegan cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great swap for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper crisping.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
Keywords: Crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken, cheesy chicken tenders, ranch chicken recipe, baked chicken tenders
Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/
