Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Coating: The combination of Ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese provides a savory depth, while the Ritz crackers add a satisfying crunch.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will appreciate the familiar yet elevated taste of these chicken tenders.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken tenders
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Crush Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Pour the crushed crackers onto a plate or shallow dish.
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Then, roll the coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy version.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives into the coating mixture for added freshness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. An air fryer also works well for reheating.

FAQs

How can I ensure the chicken tenders remain juicy?

Coating the chicken tenders thoroughly with the mayonnaise mixture helps lock in moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to substitute for chicken tenders.

Is there an alternative to mayonnaise for the coating?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as substitutes for mayonnaise, offering a tangy flavor and similar consistency.

Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time?

While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the coating mixture and crush the crackers in advance. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken and bake.

What sides pair well with Crack Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?

Yes, after baking, allow the tenders to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.

How do I prevent the coating from becoming soggy?

Ensure the chicken tenders are spaced apart on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, which helps maintain a crispy coating.

Can I add cheese to the coating?

In addition to Parmesan, you can mix in other finely grated cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

What dipping sauces complement these tenders?

Popular choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Are there any low-carb alternatives for the coating?

Crushed pork rinds can be used in place of Ritz crackers to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version of these chicken tenders.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures that are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make them suitable for