Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this mouthwatering crack chicken tenders secret weapon.

Crispy edges promise a flavor explosion that’ll make everyone at the table lean in.

Lean chicken becomes an irresistible canvas for creamy, spicy magic.

Ranch seasoning adds that addictive punch that keeps people coming back for more.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction in under 30 minutes.

Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with these tender bites.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe What Goes In

• Chicken Tenders: Mild and tender meat that serves as the base for this crispy dish, lean protein source that absorbs flavors well.

• Mayonnaise, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy mixture that helps the coating stick and adds rich flavor to the chicken, provides moisture and tanginess.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds zesty ranch flavor and enhances overall taste profile of the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides subtle depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the coating.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates a crispy, golden exterior with a buttery texture, adds satisfying crunch to the chicken tenders.

• Dipping Sauces: Enhances the eating experience with additional flavor and moisture.

• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy cleanup.

Crack Chicken Tenders Baking and Breading Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

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

Step 2: Create the Flavor Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir everything until it turns into a smooth, creamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Transform Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and give it a luxurious bath in the mayo mixture.

Make sure every inch is covered in deliciousness.

Next, roll the tender in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crispy coating hugs the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Arrange for Perfect Baking

Spread the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave some space between each tender so they can get crispy and golden all around.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Pro tip: The chicken is ready when it hits an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the tenders out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Plate them up with your favorite dipping sauces and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Crispy Chicken Tenders with a Crack Coating Secret

• Press Ritz cracker crumbs firmly onto chicken tenders to create a thick, crunchy layer that ensures maximum crispiness and flavor absorption.
• Space chicken tenders apart on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing an evenly crisp exterior without steaming.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Experiment with different seasoning mixes like BBQ, spicy ranch, or Italian herbs to customize the taste profile of your crack chicken tenders.
• Prepare and coat chicken tenders in advance, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning and prep.

Store Crack Chicken Tenders Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet and warming at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy coating.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage or off odors.

Easy Pairings for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Zesty Ranch Refreshment: Pair these crispy chicken tenders with a chilled ranch beer like Blue Moon or a light wheat ale to complement the ranch seasoning's tangy flavor.
• Citrus Cocktail Companion: Mix a bright lemon drop martini or a crisp white wine spritzer to cut through the rich, creamy coating and refresh the palate.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Serve with homemade blue cheese dressing or a tangy honey mustard sauce to enhance the crackers' buttery crunch and chicken's savory profile.
• Vibrant Side Kick: Add a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the tenders' richness and provide a nutritious complement.

Crack Chicken Tenders Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Cracker Chicken: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crushed cornflakes or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken Option: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese for a zero-carb crunchy coating that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the original recipe into a spicier version.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil into the coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation that elevates the flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes the coating crispy?

The Ritz crackers provide a crunchy exterior when crushed and pressed onto the mayonnaise-coated chicken tenders. This creates a golden, crisp layer that browns beautifully in the oven.

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, or other similar crackers. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the chicken tenders.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce fat content, and opt for whole wheat crackers to increase fiber. Baking the tenders instead of frying already makes this a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken tenders.

Crack Chicken Tenders That Stay Juicy And Full Of Flavor

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up these crack chicken tenders in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: The Ritz cracker coating delivers an irresistible crispy texture that kids and adults will absolutely love, turning an ordinary chicken dish into a mouthwatering meal everyone will devour.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Using simple pantry ingredients like mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and Ritz crackers, this recipe transforms basic chicken tenders into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or quick lunch preparations, these crack chicken tenders can be easily customized with different dipping sauces and side dishes to suit any preference.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden crack chicken tenders deliver irresistible flavor that keeps families coming back for more. Quick and easy preparation meets crowd-pleasing deliciousness, ensuring smiles around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Coating:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating to prevent adhesion.
2. Craft a flavorful coating mixture by blending mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl until a smooth, uniform consistency is achieved.
3. Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by thoroughly enrobing it in the prepared mayonnaise mixture, then generously rolling it in crushed Ritz crackers, applying gentle pressure to ensure a robust, even coating.
4. Meticulously arrange the dressed chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with sufficient spacing to guarantee optimal heat circulation and uniform cooking.
5. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and allow the tenders to roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), signaling complete cooking.
6. Once removed from the oven, permit the tenders a brief resting period to redistribute internal moisture and stabilize their temperature.
7. Present the aromatic, crispy chicken tenders alongside an array of complementary dipping sauces, inviting guests to enhance their culinary experience with personalized flavor profiles.

Notes

• Use room temperature mayonnaise to ensure smooth, even coating on chicken tenders.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely but leave some texture for extra crunchiness and better adherence to chicken.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help seasoning stick better and create crispier exterior.
• Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg