Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! Coated in a savory blend of ranch seasoning, cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, these tenders are perfect for a quick meal, snack, or party appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds (or panko breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for frying (if using a skillet)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
-
Prepare Coating:
- In a bowl, mix crushed pork rinds (or panko), cheddar cheese, Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs with mayonnaise until smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat with the cheese and seasoning mix. Press gently to adhere.
-
Cooking Options:
- Baking: Arrange tenders on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place tenders in a single layer and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
-
Serve:
- Let rest for a few minutes, then serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly version, use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- You can replace cheddar with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: 4 servings
- Method: Baking, Air Frying, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Tenders, Keto Chicken Tenders, Ranch Chicken, Cheesy Chicken, Low-Carb Chicken Tenders