Go Back
–+ servings

Crack Chicken Tenders

400kcal
Share Print
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 40 minutes
A quick and delightful dinner recipe featuring tender chicken coated in creamy ranch seasoning, topped with gooey cheddar and a crispy cracker crust.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders Trimmed and ready to use, providing lean protein.
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) Acts as a base for coating, adding creaminess.
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix Provides that iconic flavor everyone loves.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds gooey, cheesy goodness to every bite.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For extra savory depth and flavor.
  • 0.5 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs) Creates a crispy crust, giving a satisfying crunch.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor, making the dish even more delicious.
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika Adds a touch of smokiness for complexity.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Provides a subtle kick to balance the flavors.
  • cooking spray or olive oil Help achieve golden perfection during baking.
Optional Variations
  • Dairy-free option: Swap Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if avoiding gluten.

Method

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
  3. Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Baking
  1. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and crushed crackers evenly over the chicken.
  3. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coatings are golden.
Serving
  1. Once baked, let the tenders cool for a minute, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories400kcalCarbohydrates23gProtein30gFat18gSaturated Fat10gSodium600mgFiber1gSugar2g

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the Greek yogurt mixture for 30 minutes before coating. For an even crunchier crust, broil the coated tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Try different seasoning blends to switch things up.

Private Notes

Click here to add your own private notes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!