Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are coated in a creamy, cheesy ranch mixture and topped with a crispy cracker or breadcrumb crust. They’re juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, trimmed
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken tenders and coat evenly with the mixture.
- Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use panko for extra crunch or swap cheeses for different flavors.
- Yogurt gives a tangy flavor; mayo adds richness.
- Make ahead by prepping and refrigerating before baking.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Can be frozen once cooked and cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
