These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat that everyone loves. Bursting with flavor and coated in a mouthwatering ranch and cheese mixture, these tenders are perfect for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Their juicy texture and cheesy exterior make them irresistible, ensuring they’ll be a hit with friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Coating: The combination of ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese creates an explosion of taste that enhances the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these tenders as a main course, snack, or party appetizer—perfect for any occasion!
- Easy Cleanup: Using parchment paper ensures easy cleanup after baking, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Customizable: Feel free to change up the seasonings or dipping sauces to match your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Easy Crack Chicken Tenders, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Shallow bowls (3)
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for even cooking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.
- Shallow bowls: Perfect for dipping and coating the chicken tenders without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Step 2: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese with the ranch seasoning until well combined.
Step 3: Beat Eggs
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Step 4: Set Up Dipping Stations
Place the flour in a third bowl. This will be used first when coating each chicken tender.
Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender in the following order:
1. First, coat it in flour.
2. Then dip it into the egg mixture.
3. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the cheese and ranch mixture.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Add Cooking Spray
Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with oil to help achieve that golden brown finish.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these Easy Crack Chicken Tenders fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family dinner, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: The classic pairing enhances the ranch flavor in the chicken tenders.
- BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky option that adds depth to the tender bites.
- Honey Mustard: This tangy and sweet sauce complements the savory taste perfectly.
As a Salad Topping
- Caesar Salad: Add sliced chicken tenders on top of romaine lettuce for a hearty meal.
- Garden Salad: Toss them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a fresh option.
In a Wrap
- Tortilla Wraps: Roll chicken tenders in tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch for a tasty lunch.
- Pita Pockets: Stuff pitas with tenders and veggies for an easy-to-eat meal on the go.
How to Perfect Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
To achieve the best results with your Easy Crack Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Chicken: Always use fresh chicken tenders for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Flour: Coating in flour before egg helps the mixture stick better, resulting in a crunchier texture.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your oven, check doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking keeps them juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
Pairing your Easy Crack Chicken Tenders with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for dipping!
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac is comfort food that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted wedges offer a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a nice base that soaks up any sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Crack Chicken Tenders can be a breeze, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the flour or egg mixture can lead to bland tenders. Always add salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many tenders on one sheet may cause steaming instead of crisping. Space them out for even cooking.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven fully before placing the chicken tenders inside.
- Using wet chicken: If your chicken tenders are wet, the coating won’t stick well. Pat them dry with paper towels before breading.
- Ignoring cooking times: Overbaking can dry out your tenders. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around 15 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked Easy Crack Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Easy Crack Chicken Tenders?
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are breaded chicken strips coated in a delicious ranch and cheese mixture, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Can I customize the spices in Easy Crack Chicken Tenders?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
How do I make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I air fry Easy Crack Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Air frying is a great way to cook these tenders. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious, making them suitable for any occasion. You can customize them with different spices or dipping sauces, ensuring they fit any taste preference. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Savor the irresistible flavor of Easy Crack Chicken Tenders, a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a savory ranch and cheddar coating. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, these tenders are baked to golden perfection, making them both delicious and healthier than traditional fried options. Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. With their cheesy exterior and tender interior, these chicken tenders are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Beat the eggs in another bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a third bowl for coating.
- Dip each chicken tender in flour, then egg mixture, followed by the cheese and ranch mix.
- Arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray tenders with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Experiment with different spices or dipping sauces like BBQ or honey mustard for added flavor. For gluten-free options, substitute breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives. Air frying is an excellent option; cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.