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Oven-baked Easy Crack Chicken Tenders coated in ranch and cheese and served on a wire rack with a dipping sauce.

Easy Crack Chicken Tenders

These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor from a ranch-seasoned, cheesy coating. Perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or snack the whole family will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken tenders about 8 pieces
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix about 1 oz / 28 g
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed crackers, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and black pepper.
  3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Arrange chicken tenders on the wire rack in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
  5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  6. Serve warm with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

To make these extra crispy, broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking. You can also air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.