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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface.
- 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.
- Take each chicken tender and generously coat it with the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, applying firm pressure to help the crumbs adhere thoroughly to the surface.
- Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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