Crack Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about these Crack Chicken Tenders is how easy they are to make and how flavorful they are! The combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning creates a creamy base for the chicken tenders, while the crushed Ritz crackers give them a perfectly crispy texture. These tenders are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making them a hit for kids and adults alike. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to be devoured in no time!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 packet Ranch seasoning mix

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare the Mayo Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Coat the Chicken:
Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Then dredge the chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.

Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for even cooking.

Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden and fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).

Cool and Serve:
Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Lighter Option: If you want a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

Gluten-Free Option: To make these tenders gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly in this recipe.

Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier coating, broil the chicken tenders for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. I recommend reheating at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips to make them similar in size to tenders. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the pieces.

Can I freeze the tenders before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken tenders before baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

You can prepare the tenders and coat them with the mayo mixture and Ritz crackers, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What should I serve with these tenders?

These tenders are great with a variety of sides! Serve them with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or French fries. You can also pair them with dips like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

If you prefer, you can use other types of crackers like saltines, buttery crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Conclusion

These Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With a crispy, flavorful coating and juicy chicken on the inside, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time!

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