Crack Chicken Tenders

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Introduction

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner or snack! Coated in a creamy ranch-Parmesan mixture and crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs, these baked tenders are irresistibly juicy on the inside and golden perfection on the outside. A guaranteed family favorite with minimal prep!

Description

These oven-baked Crack Chicken Tenders combine the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and buttery Ritz crackers for an easy, crispy, and addictively delicious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer!

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  3. Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, then press into the crushed Ritz crackers to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange the tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy these crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Variations

  • Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo mixture for a bit of heat. You can also mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the cracker coating.
  • Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders – Mix shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mayo mixture for an extra cheesy twist. The melted cheddar creates an even richer flavor!
  • Panko-Crusted Version – Swap out the Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, extra crispy texture. Panko gives a more traditional fried-chicken feel while keeping it baked.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free crackers or panko in place of Ritz to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on all seasoning packets.
  • Air Fryer Method – Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes in an air fryer, flipping halfway. This results in an even crispier texture while cutting down cooking time.

Cooking Notes

  • For extra crispiness, bake the tenders on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
  • Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the coating.
  • Try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch.
  • Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce!

Serving Suggestions

  • With Dipping Sauces – These tenders pair perfectly with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for added kick.
  • Alongside a Side Salad – Serve with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a lighter meal. The crisp veggies contrast beautifully with the crunchy tenders.
  • In a Wrap or Sandwich – Stuff these tenders into a soft tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a quick wrap, or layer them in a sandwich with brioche buns.
  • With Mac and Cheese – The creamy, cheesy mac and cheese balances the crunchiness of the tenders for the ultimate comfort food combo.
  • As a Party Appetizer – Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a variety of dips for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Tips

  • Make Ahead & Freeze – You can bread the tenders in advance and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – For an extra crispy texture, dip the tenders back into the mayo mixture after the first coating and then press into more crushed crackers. This double-layered coating gives an extra thick crunch.
  • Use Different Crackers – While Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor, you can experiment with crushed cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its) or pretzels for a different taste and texture.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Spacing the tenders apart ensures even baking. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of crisping up.

Prep & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Sodium: ~680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! To air fry, preheat to 375°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. This results in an even crispier texture while cutting down on cooking time.

2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream works well as a substitute. It keeps the chicken moist while adding a slight tangy flavor.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can coat the chicken tenders and freeze them raw. When ready to bake, cook from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?

These tenders taste amazing with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for easy, flavorful meals! Whether baked or air-fried, they deliver the perfect balance of crunch and juiciness with that signature ranch-Parmesan kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or even meal prep, they’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Print
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Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Author: I love recipes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

These oven-baked Crack Chicken Tenders combine the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and buttery Ritz crackers for an easy, crispy, and addictively delicious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  3. Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, then press into the crushed Ritz crackers to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange the tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy these crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, bake the tenders on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
  • Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the coating.
  • Try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch.
  • Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: ~320
  • Sugar: ~1g
  • Sodium: ~680mg
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Cholesterol: ~75mg

Keywords: Crack Chicken Tenders, Baked Chicken Tenders, Ranch Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family Dinner, Game Day Snacks

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