Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day snack, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce.
- In another bowl, mix together crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Dip each chicken tender into the ranch mixture, then coat with the cracker mixture.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use a different type of cracker for the coating?
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Is there a substitute for hot sauce?
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Is the Parmesan cheese necessary?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers to create a different flavor profile for the dish.
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of tenders, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You can use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes as a substitute for hot sauce.
You can prepare the tenders up to the coating step and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Parmesan cheese adds flavor to the coating, but you can omit it if desired.
Helpful tips:
- For extra heat, add more hot sauce to the ranch mixture.
- Serve the tenders with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
- Try adding different seasonings to the cracker coating for variety.
- Bake the tenders on a wire rack for crispier results.
Expert Secrets:
- Brining the chicken tenders before coating can help keep them juicy and tender.
- Using a combination of different types of crackers can add texture to the coating.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the ranch mixture can brighten the flavors.
- Try grilling the chicken tenders for a smoky flavor instead of baking.