Name: Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch.
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders (the star of the show, tender and juicy); 1/3 cup buttermilk (for marinating and tenderizing the chicken); 1/2 cup hot sauce (Franks Original Hot Sauce works wonders for flavor); 2 tablespoons hot sauce (for the butter mixture); 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes (this will give a delightful crunch); 1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers (optional, for added flavor and texture); 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (adds a zesty kick); 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning; 1-2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust to your taste preference); 1/4 cup salted butter (melted, to help the coating adhere); Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing and added flavor); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (the base for our creamy ranch dip); 2 tablespoons buttermilk (for thinning the ranch dressing); 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives (for freshness and flavor); 1 teaspoon dried parsley (adds color and a mild flavor); 1 teaspoon dried dill (a classic herb that pairs well with yogurt); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory depth of flavor); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (enhances the ranch's savory notes); Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch are a game-changer for your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The allure of perfectly seasoned chicken tenders paired with a creamy, zesty ranch dip is hard to resist. With a simple yet delicious approach, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for both kids and adults alike. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– The combination of spice and crunch in every bite.
– Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
– A healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken fingers.
– The creamy Greek yogurt ranch adds a refreshing twist.
– Customizable to suit your heat preferences.

What You’ll Gather

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders: The star of the show, tender and juicy.
1/3 cup buttermilk: For marinating and tenderizing the chicken.
1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Franks Original Hot Sauce works wonders for flavor.
2 cups finely crushed corn flakes: This will give a delightful crunch.
1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers (optional): For added flavor and texture.
1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning: Adds a zesty kick.
1-2 teaspoons black pepper: Adjust to your taste preference.
1/4 cup salted butter, melted: To help the coating adhere and add richness.
Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing and added flavor.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: The base for our creamy ranch dip.
2 tablespoons buttermilk: For thinning the ranch dressing.
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives: For freshness and flavor.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds color and a mild flavor.
1 teaspoon dried dill: A classic herb that pairs well with yogurt.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the ranch’s savory notes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste, of course!

What’s in the Gear List

Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the ranch.
Baking sheet: A large one lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Wire rack: Optional, for extra crispiness while baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Whisk: For blending the ranch ingredients smoothly.

The Method for Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken tenders. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1/2 cup of hot sauce. Mix well and add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a separate mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flakes, optional crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers, fajita seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. This crunchy mixture will give your chicken fingers that satisfying crispy coating.

3. Melt the Butter

In a small bowl, melt the salted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the butter and stir to combine. This spicy butter will help your coating adhere and add a flavorful kick.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Dip each tender into the melted butter mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place each coated chicken finger on a lined baking sheet or wire rack.

5. Bake the Chicken Fingers

Once all the chicken tenders are coated, lightly brush them with extra virgin olive oil for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway for even cooking.

6. Make the Greek Yogurt Ranch

While the chicken fingers are baking, prepare your Greek yogurt ranch. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, chopped chives, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken fingers are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with the creamy Greek yogurt ranch on the side for dipping. Enjoy the perfect combination of spice, crunch, and cool creaminess!

Dietary Customizations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn flakes and check the labels of your hot sauce and seasoning.
Spicy: Increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and butter mixture.
Extra Crunchy: Add more crushed crackers or replace some corn flakes with panko breadcrumbs.
Herb Variations: Customize the ranch by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil.

Problems & Prevention

Chicken Sticking: Make sure to use parchment paper or a non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Uneven Cooking: Ensure the chicken tenders are of uniform size for even cooking; consider pounding them lightly.
Too Spicy: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Coating Falling Off: Ensure the chicken is well-coated in buttermilk and the butter mixture; pressing the coating firmly helps.

Save It for Later

If you find yourself with leftovers (though we can’t guarantee that!), store the chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispiness. You can also freeze them before baking; just coat them and place them in a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce in both the marinade and the butter mixture, or add cayenne pepper to the coating.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for baking, ensuring a healthier option without compromising on crunch.

What can I serve with these chicken fingers?

They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or veggies and dip for a complete meal.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the steps laid out for these mouthwatering Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch, it’s time to head into the kitchen and make this delectable dish! Whether for a family dinner, a game night snack, or a picnic treat, these chicken fingers are sure to impress. Happy cooking!