If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors all in one, then you absolutely have to try this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe. This delightful take on classic chicken tenders turns simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With a creamy Parmesan and Ranch seasoning coating followed by a crispy Ritz cracker crust, it’s no wonder this recipe quickly becomes a favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself coming back to this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of mayonnaise to the zesty hit of Ranch seasoning and the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers, these ingredients come together beautifully to elevate simple chicken tenders into something truly special.
- 1 lb. chicken tenders: The star of the recipe, chicken tenders cook quickly and stay wonderfully tender inside the crispy crust.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture that helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory depth and a subtle nuttiness to the coating.
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix: Infuses a familiar tangy, herby flavor that’s key to the “crack” factor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a warm, aromatic kick that complements the other seasonings perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory layers and adds a gentle sweetness.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Creates a golden, buttery crust that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your tenders cook evenly and the parchment helps prevent sticking while making clean-up a snap.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend is what delivers that irresistible burst of flavor and keeps your chicken unbelievably tender.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Then, dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers until it’s completely covered. This method guarantees the crispy crust sticks perfectly to the chicken during baking and adds that crave-worthy texture.
Step 4: Arrange for Baking
Place the coated chicken tenders onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate, helping the crust get that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they’re fully cooked and perfectly juicy inside with a crispy, flavorful crust on the outside.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tenders for a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also provide a zesty contrast that cuts through the creamy coating.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken tenders with a crisp green salad to lighten up the meal, or go for classic comfort sides like homemade mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. For a fun twist, serve with a tangy coleslaw or oven-roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe up a notch by serving them as sliders with soft buns and your favorite sauces. Alternatively, arrange the tenders on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed properly helps maintain their crispiness and flavor, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the tenders after baking and cooling completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, pop the tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips to mimic the size of tenders so they cook evenly and stay tender with the coating.
Is there a substitute for the Ranch seasoning mix?
Yes, you can make your own blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you prefer fresh ingredients or want to avoid packets.
Can I bake these tenders in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispy finish without heating up your oven.
What dipping sauces pair well with Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Classic Ranch or honey mustard are favorites, but spicy buffalo sauce, garlic aioli, or even a sweet chili dip work wonderfully too.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes, and make sure your Ranch seasoning is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly one of those feel-good meals that is easy to make yet bursting with flavor and texture that everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an impressive but effortless dish to share with friends, these tender delights will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how addictive and satisfying this recipe is!
Print
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful dish coated in a creamy Parmesan and ranch mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, they combine the crunch of Ritz crackers with a rich, zesty coating.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
Coating Mixture
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Crunchy Coating
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the mayo and cheese mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the coated chicken in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing lightly so the crackers adhere evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Ranch seasoning can be substituted with dry Italian seasoning if preferred.
- Serve with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Ensure chicken tenders are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
