Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate family meal that everyone will love! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these juicy tenders feature a delicious blend of spices and a crispy coating. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, you’ll find tips on key ingredients, marinating secrets, and exciting variations to elevate your dish. Ready to impress your loved ones?

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Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup crushed cornflakes

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ranch dressing

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for extra flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and crushed cornflakes.

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade. Allow excess marinade to drip off, then coat each tender in the flour and cornflake mixture, pressing down to ensure the coating adheres well.

Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

While the tenders are baking, prepare the ranch dressing for serving.

Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes. Serve with ranch dressing on the side and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating) | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4