If you are craving a crunchy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying chicken snack, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe. It combines the irresistible crunch of extra toasty Cheez-Its with tender, juicy chicken, all baked to perfection and paired with a luscious homemade ranch dip bursting with fresh herbs. This dish is so simple yet packed with layers of comfort and zest that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these cheesy chicken tenders are undeniably a winner that brings cozy vibes and delicious flavors to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from building flavor to delivering texture and color that makes every bite pure joy. The simple items come together easily, proving that amazing food doesn’t need complicated components.
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders or breasts: Choose tender pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy bites every time.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: The perfect marinade base adding tang while tenderizing the chicken beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all flavors, keeping the chicken perfectly seasoned inside and out.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory note that’s comforting and rich.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Cholula): A subtle kick of heat to give the dish a lively dimension.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a mild spicy lift that complements the cheese coating.
- 4 cups Cheez-Its (Extra Toasty preferred): These deliver that signature cheesy crunch that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for coating): A second layer of garlic flavor to deepen the crust’s savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for coating): Boosts the crust’s boldness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the tenders crisp without extra oil, making baking easy and mess-free.
- ½ cup sour cream or plain whole-milk Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of our herb ranch dip, rich in tang and texture.
- ⅓ cup buttermilk (for dip): Thins the ranch just right while adding freshness and zing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for dip): A must for that classic ranch garlic undertone.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the creamy dip.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for dip): Enhances all the flavors in the dip without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for dip): Adds a gentle peppery warmth that finishes it beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Bright, mild oniony notes that refresh the dip.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes to brighten every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic powder, hot sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade works wonders by tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with layers of flavor. Add your chicken tenders and make sure each piece gets fully coated. Let it rest for 15 minutes at room temperature for a quick marinade or cover and pop it in the fridge if you have more time; up to 24 hours is perfect for an even juicier outcome.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Coating
To get that signature crunch, pulse the Cheez-Its together with the garlic powder and black pepper in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, no worries—just toss the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground. Transfer this aromatic cheesy crust to a shallow bowl ready for breading.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off—too much liquid will stop the crumbs from sticking. Press each tender firmly into the Cheez-It crumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated with that irresistible cheesy crust. This step is where the magic starts, creating a crunchy outside that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange your breaded chicken tenders on the sheets, spaced apart to let hot air circulate and crisp every side. Give them a light spray of oil on top to help achieve that perfect golden brown. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip the tenders, rotate the trays, and bake for an additional 8 to 13 minutes. You’re aiming for a gorgeous crunchy coating and juicy cooked chicken inside.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Herb Ranch Dip
While the chicken is baking, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and chives in a bowl. Stir thoroughly and taste to adjust seasoning. This dip is the cool, creamy counterpoint that elevates the cheesy chicken tenders to arecipe-level star.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your freshly baked tenders alongside a bowl of that dreamy creamy herb ranch dip and get ready for the compliments. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every irresistible bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or chives beautifully brightens the plate and adds fresh color to these crunchy tenders. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a playful kick that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy dip.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders love company! Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some honey-glazed roasted carrots to bring sweetness and freshness to the meal. For a hearty option, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic parmesan roasted potatoes complement the cheesy crunch perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for dipping. Or, stack them up on a platter and drizzle a little extra ranch along the top for a shareable appetizer that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—and often there are—store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining their crispiness if reheated correctly.
Freezing
You can freeze these tenders before or after baking. To freeze uncooked, bread the chicken as directed, then place on a baking sheet to freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer bag. Cooked tenders freeze well too; just cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that amazing crunch, reheat the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy coating. Warm the ranch dip separately or serve cold, depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use regular crackers instead of Cheez-Its?
While you can substitute other crunchy crackers or breadcrumbs, Cheez-Its Extra Toasty give such a unique cheesy flavor and perfect crunch that’s hard to replicate. If you do swap, aim to use something similarly seasoned and crisp.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken wonderfully and adds a subtle tang, but if you don’t have any, plain yogurt diluted with a bit of milk or even milk with a splash of lemon juice can be a good alternative.
Can I make the ranch dip dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative and a plant-based buttermilk substitute like almond milk with lemon juice for a dairy-free version that still tastes fresh and creamy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The hot sauce adds just a gentle background warmth that most people find pleasant rather than overpowering. You can always adjust the amount or omit it altogether if you prefer no heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips to ensure they bake evenly. Tenders are just quicker and a bit more tender by nature, but breasts work well if you prepare them the same way.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe a whirl soon. It’s one of those dishes that brings instant smiles and comfort, perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want an easy yet show-stopping meal. The combination of a crunchy, cheesy crust with juicy chicken and that fresh herb ranch dip is pure magic on a plate. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken tenders!
Print
Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Herb Ranch Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This crispy and flavorful Chicken Cheez recipe features tender chicken tenders marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture, coated with finely crushed Cheez-Its for an extra cheesy crunch, then baked to golden perfection. Served with a tangy homemade ranch dip, this dish is perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main course that any cheese and chicken lover will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders or breasts
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g. Cholula)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Coating
- 4 cups Cheez-Its (Extra Toasty preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Ranch Dip
- ½ cup sour cream or plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic powder, hot sauce, and freshly ground black pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: Place the Cheez-Its along with the additional garlic powder and black pepper into a food processor and pulse until the crackers are finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, put the Cheez-Its in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs into a shallow bowl for breading.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Press each tender firmly into the Cheez-It crumbs, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly for maximum crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the sheets, ensuring they’re spaced apart to cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip the tenders, rotate the baking sheets, and bake for an additional 8 to 13 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Ranch Dip: In a bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped fresh chives, and parsley. Mix well to blend all the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Chicken Cheez tenders alongside the creamy ranch dip. Pair with a fresh salad or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Use Extra Toasty Cheez-Its for a richer, more robust flavor.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the hot sauce in the marinade.
- Cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Leftover chicken tenders are great cold or reheated in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
