Name: Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders; 1/3 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Franks Original works well); 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes; 1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers (optional); 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning; 1–2 teaspoons black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup salted butter, melted; Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons buttermilk; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Kosher salt and black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it combines crispy, crunchy chicken with a bold black pepper flavor that stands out. The corn flakes and optional Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers give the chicken a satisfying crunch, while the Greek yogurt ranch adds a creamy, herby dip without the heaviness of traditional ranch dressing. These chicken fingers are kid-friendly, easy to prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Fingers

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Franks Original works well)
2 cups finely crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers (optional)
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
1–2 teaspoons black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup salted butter, melted
Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing

Greek Yogurt Ranch

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Marinate for 15–20 minutes if time allows.
In another shallow bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, optional crackers, fajita seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well.
Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the corn flake mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top and lightly brush with olive oil.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Meanwhile, prepare the Greek yogurt ranch by combining Greek yogurt, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Serve chicken fingers hot with Greek yogurt ranch for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the marinade.
Use panko instead of corn flakes for a different crunch.
Swap chicken tenders for boneless chicken thighs for juicier bites.
Add smoked paprika or chili powder to the coating for a smoky flavor.
Make ranch dairy-free by substituting Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking.

What else can I serve with these chicken fingers?

French fries, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad all pair well.

Can I use regular ranch instead of Greek yogurt ranch?

Yes, but the yogurt version is lighter and tangier.

How do I make the coating extra crunchy?

Press the coating firmly onto each chicken tender and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch are crispy, flavorful, and packed with bold seasoning. The crunchy coating paired with a creamy, tangy dip makes this a healthier yet indulgent twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day snacking, these chicken fingers are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch