Print

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

This Crack Chicken Tenders recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan, and Ranch seasoning, then baked to golden perfection with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust. It's a simple and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb. chicken tenders

Coating Mixture

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Crust

  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.
  3. Coat Chicken: Take each chicken tender and thoroughly coat it in the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly covered to maximize flavor and adhesion for the crust.
  4. Crush Crackers: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs suitable for coating the chicken tenders.
  5. Coat with Crackers: Dredge each mayonnaise-coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers. Press gently on each piece to help the cracker crumbs stick firmly to the surface.
  6. Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a greased baking rack to allow even cooking and crispiness.
  7. Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown, crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the crack chicken tenders hot for best taste and texture enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use crushed Ritz crackers fresh for best texture; they provide the signature buttery crunch.
  • For an extra crispy crust, place tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
  • Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  • You can substitute the Ranch seasoning packet with homemade Ranch mix for a preservative-free version.
  • Parmesan cheese adds flavor and helps bind the coating; freshly grated Parmesan is recommended.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/