Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that will become a new family favorite in no time. These chicken tenders are coated in a creamy, savory mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning, then rolled in crushed Ritz crackers for an irresistible crunch. This dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures with each bite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party appetizer, or a casual meal, Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to impress.

The combination of rich ranch seasoning, garlicky undertones, and the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers creates a flavor-packed experience that’s impossible to resist. This recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With just a few ingredients, these chicken tenders come together quickly and are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Prepare to enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and addictive flavors of Crack Chicken Tenders at your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistibly Crunchy and Cheesy

The combination of Ritz crackers and Parmesan creates a crispy, cheesy coating that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

2. Simple to Make

With just a handful of ingredients, these tenders are quick to prepare and require minimal effort to make.

3. Family-Friendly

The creamy, cheesy flavors are loved by both kids and adults, making it a versatile meal for all ages.

4. Great for Meal Prep

You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers for future meals. The tenders reheat well, making them perfect for busy days.

5. Perfect for Dipping

These tenders pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces, from ranch dressing to barbecue sauce or honey mustard.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (1 lb.)
• Mayonnaise (½ cup)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
• Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
• Garlic powder (½ tsp)
• Onion powder (½ tsp)
• Ritz crackers, crushed (1 cup)

Variations

• Add Spice: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise mixture.
• Herb Infused: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a fresh, aromatic element to the chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for Ritz crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Baking Option: Bake the chicken tenders in the oven instead of frying them for a lighter version of the dish. Just make sure to spray them with cooking oil to achieve a crispy crust.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll the coated tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the chicken.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray.

Step 5: Bake the Tenders

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure Even Coating: Press the crushed Ritz crackers gently onto the chicken tenders to make sure the coating sticks properly and becomes crispy.
• Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: For the best texture, use fresh chicken tenders instead of frozen ones, as they will cook more evenly and retain moisture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the chicken tenders enough space on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy on all sides.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Since cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken tenders, check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part to ensure the meat is no longer pink.

How to Serve

Crack Chicken Tenders can be served as a main course with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. They also make an excellent appetizer at parties, paired with dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or sriracha ketchup. For a more complete meal, serve them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crack Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken tenders for later use. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, bake from frozen for about 30-35 minutes at 400°F.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken tenders in the oven to preserve the crispy coating. Simply place them on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to use in place of tenders, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. How do I make the coating extra crispy?

For extra crunch, press the Ritz cracker crumbs onto the chicken more firmly or use a double coating technique: dip the chicken in the mayo mixture, then coat it in crackers, dip again, and coat once more.

3. Can I use a different brand of crackers?

While Ritz crackers create a buttery, crispy texture, you can use any plain cracker, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.

4. Can I fry the chicken tenders instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry the tenders in oil over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare and coat the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

6. Are Crack Chicken Tenders spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture if you prefer a little heat.

7. How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy?

To maintain their crispiness, avoid covering them with foil after baking. Instead, let them rest on a cooling rack to prevent moisture from softening the coating.

8. Can I use a store-bought ranch dressing mix?

Yes, a store-bought ranch seasoning mix works perfectly in this recipe.

9. Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook these tenders in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

10. What sauces can I dip Crack Chicken Tenders in?

Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce pair wonderfully with these tenders.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that delivers a crispy, cheesy coating with every bite. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, these tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe brings together a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that everyone will love.

Print