Description
Crack Chicken Tenders: Crispy, golden-brown tenders with bold seasoning and a creamy dipping sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika (if using), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil or melted butter to enhance crispiness.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the tenders.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American