Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Cheesy Baked Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Tenders are a quick and irresistible dinner option featuring tender chicken coated in a cheesy, crispy crust bursting with ranch flavor. This easy recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will love.
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, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press the coated chicken into the cheese and cracker mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure 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
- Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of crackers if you’re avoiding gluten.
- For extra crunch, broil the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breast strips cut to similar size as tenders. Just adjust baking time if needed to ensure they cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
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Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Cheesy Baked Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crack Chicken Tenders recipe offers a deliciously crispy and cheesy coating over tender chicken tenders, perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner. Using a combination of Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning for a flavorful marinade, then baked with a crispy crust made from cheddar, Parmesan, and crushed crackers, these chicken tenders are both gooey inside and crunchy outside. A family-friendly dish that’s quick to prepare and bake, ideal for a comforting meal with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
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 and spraying
Optional Substitutions
- Plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for dairy-free option
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option
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 and promote even cooking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with the ranch seasoning mix and stir until smooth to create the marinade. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to form the crispy coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt and ranch mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Then press each coated chicken tender into the cheese and cracker mixture, making sure every piece is evenly covered with the crunchy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow even heat distribution. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help develop a golden, crispy exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, serve the crack chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for an irresistibly flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Flipping the tenders halfway through baking promotes even browning and ensures a crispy crust on all sides.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Pair with fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or fries for a complete dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, ranch chicken, kid-friendly chicken recipe
