Dinner

Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Baked Cheesy Chicken Fingers Recipe

ByRita Bennet November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Introduction

Crack Chicken Tenders are a simple yet irresistibly cheesy and crispy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a flavorful ranch coating and crispy crust, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.

A white plate filled with several pieces of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken, each piece coated with a textured, crunchy crust; the chicken’s inside is white and tender, clearly visible in a piece broken in half at the front. Some pieces are drizzled with a thick, bright orange sauce that shines under the light. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled lightly over the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. At the back of the plate is a white ramekin filled with a creamy, light beige dipping sauce topped with a few small specks of black pepper. The plate is set on a white marbled texture surface with a blurred green plant in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 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 plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise to make this recipe dairy-free.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to avoid gluten.
For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A white round plate filled with multiple pieces of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken tenders, some topped with a glossy orange sauce. One piece is cut in half, revealing the juicy, white meat inside. The chicken tenders are garnished with small green herb pieces scattered over them. On the top left of the plate, there is a white small round cup filled with creamy, light beige dipping sauce sprinkled with black pepper on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and some green plants are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, mayonnaise works well as a base for coating the chicken and will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rita Bennet