The stomachs of football fans everywhere are getting ready to rumble – it’s almost Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you are rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles or the New England Patriots, or just tuned in for the commercials, GOOD FINGER FOOD is one thing we can all agree on. My recipe for Jalapeno Cheddar Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip is a favorite at all gridiron gatherings – and is likely to be gone sometime between kick off and half time. Good reason to make a double batch!
Read on to get the yummy details and full recipe (that I originally created for Litehouse Foods):
Chicken WINGs seem to be a party thing with most guys, but I personally don’t like the resulting sticky fingers all over my house, nor do I care one bit for the little bones, fried skin and fat. These much neater (and less napkin hogging) baked chicken tenders are ready in just 30 minutes, prep to plate, and make a fit and fresh alternative to wings at any shindig.
Juicy strips of chicken breast are crusted with a combo of crushed cheese crackers and crispy jalapenos and baked until golden brown and ready for a crunchy munch down. And, duh, you KNOW herby Homestyle Ranch Dressing (like my favorite fresh-from-the-produce-department brand, Litehouse Foods) makes a creamy, cooling condiment.
Here’s a tip – if you can’t find the crispy jalapenos (I used the ones packaged up and sold as “salad toppers”) or you don’t want hot spice in your chicken (dang those kids), then you can substitute those crispy onions that grandmas’ everywhere put on green bean casseroles. 
My Turmeric Almond Chicken Tenders also make good football grub, especially if you have guests who follow gluten-free and/or Paleo diets.
Also, don’t miss my recent post – Best Healthy Beef Recipes for Game Day! I’m talking chili, meatballs, nachos and more! 
Are you on Team Wing or Team Tender? What do you plan to munch on during the Big Game? Please share in the comments — XOXO, Jennifer
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing I prefer Homestyle Ranch from Litehouse foods found in the produce department
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour can substitute a gluten-free blend
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheese Its) can substitute gluten-free brand
- 1/3 cup crushed crispy jalapenos a packaged salad topper found in produce department or crouton aisle
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- cooked quinoa from 1 cup dry
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Preheat oven to 390 F degrees.
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In shallow dish, whisk together egg, Ranch dressing, flour and ground pepper. Mixture will be thick and glue-ish. Depending on actual egg size, you may need to thin with another tablespoon or so of Ranch dressing.
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Add cheese crackers, crispy jalapenos, garlic powder and Instantly Fresh Cilantro to heavy-duty gallon-capacity zip-top bag. Use rolling pin to crush contents into medium-coarse crumbs.
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Taking one tender at a time, dredge in egg mixture and then shake in crumb mixture until coated. Place on rimmed baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray, or for even more crispness, use a mesh baking tray on top.
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Bake at 390 F degrees for 20 minutes, or until cooked through at thickest portion of tender. If placed straight on the baking sheet, flip tenders once after 10 minutes of baking. If using a raised mesh tray, no need to flip.
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Remove tenders from oven, let cook for 3 minutes, garnish with jalapeno slices and cilantro, and serve with a bowl of Homestyle Ranch Dressing for dipping.
hahaha, yeah! I’ve always just been interested in the food at these gatherings! 😛 I’m usually down for tenders or wings, but with slight preference for tenders because I’m lazy. :D.. These look awesome!
Thanks Farrah — I know, it’s too much work to eat wings!