If you’re craving a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner, this Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Bake is about to become your new go-to. These baked chicken tenders come out incredibly juicy on the inside with a crispy, cheesy crust on the outside—thanks to a delicious mix of ranch seasoning, cheddar, Parmesan, and crushed crackers. Even better? They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner ideas that still feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Bake
This recipe takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a crave-worthy dinner without the hassle of frying or long prep times. The creamy Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) binds the ranch seasoning beautifully while keeping the chicken moist. Meanwhile, the blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and crushed Ritz or panko creates a golden, crunchy coating that locks in flavor. These tenders are kid-approved, meal-prep friendly, and versatile enough to pair with salads, veggies, rice, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Substitution Options
- Use dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo for a dairy-free twist
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Ritz
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Colby Jack
How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Bake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Coating
In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. This mixture adds rich flavor and helps the crust stick to the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated in the creamy ranch mixture.
Step 4: Create the Crispy Topping
In a shallow dish, combine the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers (or panko). Press each coated tender firmly into the cheese-crumb mixture to create a thick crust.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated chicken tenders evenly on the baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until:
- The crust is golden
- The cheese is melted
- The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Step 6: Optional Broil
For an extra-crispy finish, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these tenders hot with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue.
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Bake are crispy, creamy, and packed with ranch, cheddar, and Parmesan flavor—ready in under 30 minutes for a family-friendly dinner everyone will crave.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, trimmed
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated in the creamy ranch mixture.
4. In a separate shallow dish, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
5. Press each coated chicken tender into the cheese and crumb mixture, turning to coat all sides and gently pressing so the crust sticks.
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp and brown.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the crust is golden and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely so they do not burn.
10. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reduce the amount of cheddar cheese slightly.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free shredded cheese.
These Crack Chicken Tenders reheat best in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy rather than microwaving.
Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Tips & Variations
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the yogurt mixture.
- Kid-Friendly: Use mild cheddar and reduce paprika for gentle flavor.
- Extra Crispy: Add more panko or crackers to the crust mixture.
- Meal Prep: These tenders reheat well and stay juicy even the next day.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with sweet potato fries, rice bowls, steamed vegetables, or a refreshing side salad.
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F to restore crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked coated tenders for easy future meals.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~430 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
Final Thoughts
These Easy Crack Chicken Tenders deliver everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick prep, simple ingredients, and huge flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal prepping ahead, or just craving something warm and comforting, this dish brings cheesy, ranch-seasoned goodness to the table in just 30 minutes. Save this recipe and enjoy restaurant-style tenders without the fuss!