Crack Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of crispy coating and juicy chicken, enveloped in the savory flavors of Ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. The buttery crunch from crushed Ritz crackers adds an irresistible texture, making each bite a savory delight. Whether I serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, these tenders never fail to impress.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a batch in no time.
- Family Favorite: The combination of Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz crackers is always a hit.
- Versatile: Perfect for dinners, parties, or even as a snack.
- Customizable: I can easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, I combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: I coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, ensuring it's well-covered.
- Dredge in Crackers: Next, I dredge the coated chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Bake: I arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: After allowing them to cool slightly, I serve the tenders with my favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: I substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Lighter Option: Using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise offers a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
- Extra Crispy: For added crunch, I broil the tenders for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps maintain crispiness.
- Freezer: To freeze, I place cooked tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I reheat them in the oven directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, I can use chicken breasts by cutting them into strips similar in size to tenders and following the same coating and baking process.
Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! I substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain a crispy texture.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If I'm not a fan of mayonnaise, I substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
Can I make these Crack Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?
Yes! I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders in a single layer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
The chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. They should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a simple yet flavorful dish that I love to prepare. The combination of crispy Ritz cracker coating and savory Ranch and Parmesan flavors makes them a favorite in my kitchen. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a satisfying snack, these tenders always hit the spot. Give them a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, juicy comfort food packed with Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and buttery Ritz crackers. Easy to make and family-approved, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or snacking. Discover this irresistible twist on classic chicken tenders!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line or grease a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat each chicken tender evenly with the mayo mixture.
- Dredge in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing to adhere.
- Place tenders on baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for a GF version.
- Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge (3 days) or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispines
