Here’s a Crack Chicken Tenders recipe—crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a creamy, cheesy, ranch-seasoned crust. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make!
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup flour
• Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them.
2. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
1. In one bowl, mix flour, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a second bowl, whisk eggs.
3. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
1. Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
2. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs.
3. Finally, coat in the cheesy breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
For Baking:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place tenders on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For Air Frying:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange tenders in a single layer and spray with cooking spray.
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
For Frying:
1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
• Serve hot with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dip.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive! Let me know if you need variations.