Irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crack chicken tenders recipe delivers a punch of irresistible flavor.

Coated in a crispy, addictive seasoning blend, these tenders will become an instant family favorite.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy kick that elevates these chicken tenders from ordinary to crave-worthy.

Salt, pepper, and a few secret ingredients transform humble chicken into a mouthwatering meal.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delectable chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted.

Crack Chicken Tenders Crowd Favorite Qualities

• Transforms simple chicken tenders into a crispy, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort and basic ingredients.
• Delivers a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making family dinners stress-free and delicious.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you need a satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour.
• Requires simple pantry staples and basic cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Crack Chicken Tenders Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender strips of chicken perfect for creating a crispy, flavorful dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the seasoning and cracker coating adhere to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a tangy and herbaceous flavor profile to the chicken.

• Ritz Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a crunchy exterior and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken tenders.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Ensures the chicken doesn't stick to the baking sheet and allows for easy cleanup.

Tools for Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders

• Baking sheet: Flat, rimmed pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick liner to prevent chicken from sticking and simplify washing.
• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized container for combining mayo and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Shallow dish: For dredging chicken tenders in cracker crumbs.
• Knife or food processor: To crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Steps to Cooking Crack Chicken Tenders Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Magical Coating

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning blend
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir everything together until you create a smooth, dreamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Transform Chicken Into Crispy Delights

Take each tender and generously slather it with the mayo mixture.

Then roll the coated chicken into a bed of crushed Ritz crackers.

Press firmly to ensure every inch gets that irresistible crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Carefully arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

The crackers will be crisp, the chicken juicy, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Crush Ritz crackers finely for an extra crispy exterior that provides perfect texture and golden-brown color.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like asiago or pecorino for unique flavor profiles in the parmesan mixture.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in oven to maintain crispiness.

Crack Chicken Tenders Styles You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Ranch Tenders: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken: Add hot sauce to the mayo mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a zesty kick.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the cracker coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-style option.

Tenders Serving Ideas for All Occasions

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange tenders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra ranch dressing and fresh herbs for a casual, inviting spread.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Serve alongside crispy roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans and creamy mashed potatoes for a complete family meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces, add toothpicks, and pair with tangy dipping sauces like honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo for party snacking.
• Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Star: Pack cooled tenders in lunch containers with cucumber slices and ranch dip for a protein-packed school or work lunch that stays delicious.

Storage Tips for Crack Chicken Tenders Leftovers

• Store leftover crack chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cracker for the coating?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like saltines or panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy texture.

• Is Ranch seasoning mix necessary for this recipe?

While Ranch seasoning adds great flavor, you can replace it with dried herbs like dill, parsley, or a pre-made seasoning blend if needed.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

The mayonnaise helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out during baking. Make sure not to overcook the chicken and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

• Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can assemble the coated chicken tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes this recipe great for meal prep or entertaining.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy crack chicken tenders bring southern comfort flavors to dinner tables with irresistible seasoning and creamy ranch notes. Spicy, cheesy goodness promises a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Crust:

• 1 cup (120 grams) Ritz crackers, crushed

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Take each chicken tender and generously coat it with the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Roll the coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, applying firm pressure to help the crumbs adhere thoroughly to the surface.
5. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior turns a crispy, golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set and the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to make this recipe celiac-friendly without losing crunch.
• Spice Level Control: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add cayenne to the coating mixture for those wanting extra heat, adjusting to personal taste preference.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Let chicken tenders rest 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, preventing dry meat and ensuring maximum tenderness.
• Healthier Adaptation: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein while maintaining a creamy coating consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1030mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 93mg