Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory ranch seasoning, making them a deliciously addictive dish. Coated with a mix of Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, and two types of cheese, these tenders are oven-baked for a crispy crunch that’s perfect for dinner or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)
- 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 for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Optional Variations:
- Swap Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for extra indulgence!
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
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Make the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, dredge each coated tender in the crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. These can be paired with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
- Adding bacon will give the tenders an extra indulgent flavor and crispy texture.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, replace Greek yogurt with sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American