These crispy, golden Crack Chicken Tenders are coated in a flavorful mix of crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning, creating an irresistible, addictive bite that’s perfect for the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re sure to be a hit at dinner time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the savory flavors of Ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you get all the crispy goodness with a lighter touch. These tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, served with your favorite dipping sauce, and they’re sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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1 lb. chicken tenders
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½ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Coat the chicken tenders in the mayo mixture, then dredge each tender in the crushed Ritz crackers.
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Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through.
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Let the chicken tenders cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispiness. You can also microwave them, though they may not be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips instead of tenders. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger pieces may need more time to cook through.
2. Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save time if you’re prepping for a meal later.
3. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can use other types of crackers, like Saltines or Club crackers, if you don’t have Ritz. The flavor and texture will vary slightly, but they’ll still work well.
4. Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers and make sure your Ranch seasoning is gluten-free to create a gluten-free version of these tenders.
5. Can I bake these without parchment paper?
Yes, you can bake these tenders without parchment paper, but it helps with easy cleanup and prevents them from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet.
6. Can I fry these chicken tenders instead of baking them?
Yes, you can pan-fry them for a crispy texture. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet and fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.
8. Can I add more seasoning to the mayo mixture?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add extra garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a bit of spice.
9. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked tenders. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for 25-30 minutes when you’re ready to eat.
10. What dipping sauces go well with Crack Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even sriracha mayo for some heat.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful, and easy dish that everyone will love. With their crispy coating, juicy chicken, and bold flavors, they make a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simple to prepare and even easier to devour, these tenders are sure to become a favorite in your household!
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Crack Chicken Tenders
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food! With a crispy, golden coating made from crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning, these tenders are full of flavor and perfect for a quick, easy dinner. Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter yet just as crispy, making them a hit with the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Coat the chicken tenders in the mayo mixture, then dredge each tender in the crushed Ritz crackers.
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Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked through.
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Let the chicken tenders cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
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For gluten-free tenders, use gluten-free crackers and ensure the Ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
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You can pan-fry the tenders instead of baking for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
