Crispy Ranch Parmesan Crack Chicken Tenders (Print version)

Juicy chicken tenders coated in ranch, Parmesan, cheddar, bacon, panko, and crushed crackers, then baked until crisp and golden.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) chicken tenderloins
02 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

For the crispy coating

05 - 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
06 - 3/4 cup (55 g) crushed buttery crackers
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/3 cup (38 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 4 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - Cooking spray or oil for the rack

For serving

16 - Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or buffalo ranch
17 - Chopped parsley, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and coat the rack lightly with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Stir the panko, crushed crackers, and olive oil together on the baking sheet. Toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
03 - Whisk the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning in a wide bowl until smooth.
04 - Add Parmesan, cheddar, chopped bacon, remaining ranch seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the toasted crumbs. Stir until evenly combined.
05 - Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, let the excess drip off, then press into the crumb mixture until fully coated. Arrange on the prepared rack.
06 - Bake for 16-18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the coating is golden and the thickest tender reaches 165°F.
07 - Rest for 3 minutes, then serve hot with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo ranch. Sprinkle with parsley if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Toasting the crumb mixture before breading gives the baked tenders a deeper golden color.
02 - Use an instant-read thermometer for the juiciest result.
03 - Air fryer option: cook at 390°F for 9-12 minutes, turning once.

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