Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Baked Cheesy Chicken Fingers Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy ranch yogurt mixture and a crispy cheesy cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are packed with flavor and perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
Crust Mixture
- 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
Other
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing and crispiness
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, mix the plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with the ranch seasoning mix until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to create the crispy coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender thoroughly into the ranch yogurt mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then press the coated chicken into the cheese and cracker mixture, making sure each piece is evenly and generously covered to form a thick crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crack chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dinner option!
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, swap the Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of Ritz crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Make sure to flip the chicken tenders halfway through baking for an even crisp texture.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serving suggestion: pair with fresh veggies or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: chicken tenders, crack chicken, baked chicken, cheesy chicken, ranch seasoning, easy dinner, crispy chicken
