Description
Crack chicken tenders bring weeknight dinner magic straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crispy, seasoned chicken tenders coated in a creamy ranch-style sauce guarantee smiles around the table and cleanup that takes just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light spray of cooking oil.
- Create the yogurt mixture by blending 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 packet ranch seasoning until completely smooth.
- Mix 1 cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a separate bowl.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken tender in the ranch yogurt mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Press each yogurt-covered tender into the cheese and cracker mixture, pressing firmly to help crumbs adhere completely.
- Position the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each piece.
- Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray to help them develop a crispy golden exterior.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, carefully turning the tenders halfway through cooking time.
- Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Salt the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt before coating to enhance flavor and help the breading stick better.
- For a gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy texture.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked meat.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before coating to help the yogurt mixture and cracker crumbs adhere more effectively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg