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Saucy, oven-baked Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch. These chicken tenders are GOOD! Coated in a mix of spicy seasoned crumbs, oven-baked, then tossed in a spicy-hot black pepper sauce. Follow these up with a delicious cooling ranch for dipping. These sauced up chicken fingers are loved by all…kids and adults. And yes, they’re even healthier (they’re baked, not fried), and so much tastier. Serve with oven baked french fries and veggies for an easy dinner that’s different, saucy, spicy, and beyond good!
We’ve officially come upon the time of year when football takes over and game nights are the thing to look forward to (especially during COVID). Yes, it’s football season, which as of today, is set to start on Thursday night. My brothers, my dad, and every other football-loving human I know are all excited. Even I’m excited, though I really don’t actually watch any football. There’s just something about the start of the season that’s exciting and even comforting to me.
To me, it means that fall is getting closer, as are cozier nights in general. And with the game on in the background, it just feels “homey”.
I’m really not sure why, but like clockwork, September hits, and I’m inspired to create recipes that are great for, not only easy family meals, but for fun game-day nights too. Which leads me right on into these chicken fingers.
Without a doubt, these chicken fingers are up there as one of my all-time favorite recipes. Seeing as we now have over twenty-five hundred recipes on HBH, that should really tell you something. These fingers are…so very good!
And loved by all.
The history…
Like a lot of my favorite recipes, these chicken fingers have a little backstory.
Growing up in Cleveland, my parents would often have dinner on Friday or Saturday night at one of their favorite restaurants, Around the Corner in Lakewood, Ohio. Sometimes they’d go with friends, sometimes they’d bring us kids. Other times it was just the two of them (a rare occasion). Either way, more times than not, my mom was ordering their boneless buffalo chicken strips with their famous black pepper rub.
When we moved to Colorado I was lucky enough to get the recipe from a family friend who had waitressed at the bar. Apparently the recipe is very “secret”, but thankfully she gave it to me anyway. No measurements, just the ingredients, which was all I really needed.
I then attempted to recreate those chicken fingers. Are they identical to the original recipe? Nope, not even close. But my family is all in agreement that my version is more delicious than any you might order up in a bar…well there might be some debating between mine and ATC’s.
Anyway, they’re delicious, and it’s all about the seasoning, the sauce…and then that extra dip…beyond good.
The details…
So what’s the secret to this secret recipe?
Fajita seasoning and a generous amount of black pepper. But really it’s the fajita seasoning. For the seasoning, I mixed up my own blend of spices, which is the easiest to do, but of course, you could also use store-bought. Do what works for you!
To start, mix up some buttermilk with a splash of hot sauce and trimmed chicken tenders. The buttermilk is the “glue” that helps adhere the crumbs onto the chicken tenders.
Next, finely crush corn flakes and Cheez-It crackers (I like to use this healthier version) into crumbs to bread the chicken. The finely crushed corn flakes and cheese crackers are key to getting baked chicken fingers that taste like they’ve been fried.
Tip? Pulse the corn flakes and crackers in the food processor to really break them down into a fine crumb. If you don’t have a food processor, just add everything to the cornflake or cracker bag. Then step on the bag with your feet to finely crush them. Trust me, this works. It’s what my dad used to do when he’d make potato chip chicken when I was a kid. This trick is an oldie but a goodie.
Now, those cheese crackers? Do you really NEED them? No, you could simply use corn flakes. But the crackers add a special crunch and flavor that make them extra special and beyond delicious.
Next, bake the chicken in the oven until it crisps all over. My secret is to gently dab/brush the chicken with olive oil before it bakes. This helps the coating to really crisp up nicely in the oven. You can’t skip this step, it’s crucial.
On to the sauce…
While baking, make the black pepper sauce. It’s simple…melted butter with hot sauce (I love Franks for this). Then add more fajita seasoning, and a good pinch of black pepper too. This sauce, while it is simple, is also everything – buttery, spicy, smoky, peppery – so much flavor.
In addition to the pepper sauce, I wanted to pair the chicken fingers with something cooling.
Enter the creamy, cooling greek yogurt-based ranch. I love classic ranch just as much anyone else, but honestly, this greek yogurt-based ranch is SO GOOD! It’s a little lighter and little tangier, but oh so creamy. The perfect dip for spicy chicken.
When everything is all done, serve um up with a drizzle of hot pepper sauce and a dip in the ranch. The chicken is saucy, spicy, a smidge buttery, and a little smoky. But the cooling yogurt ranch tames the heat and adds that special touch.
Altogether, it’s just some really really good food.
I love serving these chicken fingers with my herby baked sweet potato fries plus a simple green salad. It’s bar food at home and so much better. Added bonus? It’s so much healthier too! Love that these are oven baked, you’d never guess!
Looking for other fun fall game day dinners? Here are a few ideas:
Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers
Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard
Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots
Lastly, if you make these black pepper rub chicken fingers with greek yogurt ranch be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 602 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I like to use Franks Original Hot Sauce)
- 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes
- 1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers (optional)
- 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
- 1-2 teaspoons black pepper use to your taste
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
Greek Yogurt Ranch
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons hot sauce. Toss well to coat.2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.3. Add the corn flakes crumbs, cheese cracker crumbs (if using), 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning, and a large pinch of pepper to a medium-size bowl. Stir to combine.4. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, and dredge through the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken has been used. Make sure not to crowd your pan, if necessary use two baking sheets. Lightly brush/drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.5. Meanwhile, make the black pepper sauce. Stir together the melted butter, 1/2 cup hot sauce, 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning, and a pinch black pepper (to your taste). 6. To make the ranch, combine all ingredients in a bowl or glass jar. Taste, adding salt and pepper as needed. 7. Drizzle the chicken with the black pepper sauce. Serve alongside the ranch for dipping. ENJOY.
Notes
Fajita Seasoning: Combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
This recipe was da bomb, so crispy, so flavorful. Awesome, thanks for sharing your ideas.
Hi Anita!
Happy Friday!!? I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xxT
Just an fyi, can you add flipping halfway through to the instructions if it helps prevent soggy? Just saw that comment after we made them. Hopefully they are still good though
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for pointing this out, I hope you love the recipe! Let me know how it turns out:) xx
Rather than stepping on a bag of crackers/cereal to crush them, you can use a rolling pin
Thanks for giving the recipe a try Claudia!
Do you know if I could make these easily in an air fryer?
Hey Melanie,
Yes, I think that would work well for you! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
They came out great but bottom was a little soggy. Made on the parchment paper as recipe says. Do you think if I put a baking grate on the baking sheet and cooked them on that the bottom would not be so soggy? Thanks
Lynn
Hey Lynn,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! Did you flip them half way through? I would try that next time! xTieghan
As I read the recipe/comments, I like to throw a baking stone / pizza stone in oven and pre-heat. Then place the chicken pieces. Creates an extra crispy lower surface from hot stone.
You might try giving clear instructions when you write a recipe… your video includes bread crumbs, recipe doesn’t… you don’t include flipping the tenders to avoid sogginess in the recipe, only in comment section. This is not helpful to people trying your recipes….
These were amazing and so simple to make. I highly recommend. I cut up boneless chicken breasts into little fingers and I used more of an Italian flavored seasoning. The yogurt sauce is awesome! Thanks Tieghan, your recipes help inspire me to make fun easy meals.
Hey Rebecca,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Thursday❄️ xxT
These were delicious!! They were super moist on the inside and crispy on the outside! I recommend taking them off the baking sheet right when they get out of the oven so they stay crispy.
Hey Em,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
These are yummy! I like the cornflake and Goldfish cracker crust, which is different twist than the traditional panko flakes. As with all HBH recipes I make, I have to dilute the spice (you love your spice!!!), and would recommend not drizzling the sauce, but allowing people to just dip for their preferred amount.
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad you enjoyed it! I really appreciate the feedback as well! 🙂 xTieghan
Delicious! I just wondered how to prevent the under side from becoming soggy?
Hi Olivia! I would just make sure to cook on some foil or parchment paper 🙂 xTieghan
These were amazing, came out better than I imagined and were the perfect app for football Sunday! I made extra and used the leftovers to slice up and add to a salad for lunch the night day.
Hey Jessica,
Happy Monday! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
What should I do if I want to make this ahead of time?
Hey Brooke,
You could make just up until baking, but I would wait to bake these until you are ready to serve. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give them a try! xTieghan
I’ve made these, and they’re the best chicken fingers ever.
Hey there,
Awesome! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Looks yummy! Can these be made in an air fryer?
Hey Carmen,
I have not tested these in the air fryer, but I’m sure they would work just fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made these last night, along with the Greek yogurt dip (and homemade fajita seasoning)! They are SO good and I will definitely be making again! Served alongside roasted parmesan green beans and mac n cheese 🙂 I’ve been in a rut lately with trying new recipes and ever since finding your site a couple months ago I have been SO inspired! I look forward to your recipes every day. Thank you!
Hey Jordan,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
This is one of my husband and I’s favorite recipes. I absolutely love it! I’m also not a huge condiment person, however, the greek yogurt ranch is delicious. It’s easy to adjust spice levels as well which is great for when I’m cooking for more than just my husband and me. A million out of ten would recommend!
Hey Anna,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am delighted it was enjoyed!! xTieghan