Introduction

Crack Chicken Tenders are a game-changer when it comes to comfort food! This dish has quickly become a household favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The crispy coating of Ritz crackers combined with the creamy and flavorful mayo-Parmesan mixture creates a mouthwatering, tender chicken experience. My family can’t get enough of these, and I often make them when we need a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers, and I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too!

Why You’ll Love These Crack Chicken Tenders

Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and the steps are quick, making this recipe perfect for busy nights.
Crispy and Tender: The Ritz crackers give the chicken a deliciously crispy exterior, while the mayo and Parmesan keep it juicy and tender on the inside.
Packed with Flavor: The ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder bring bold flavors to each bite, ensuring these chicken tenders are anything but bland.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these chicken tenders. The crispy coating and savory flavor are sure to please everyone at the table.
Versatile: Serve these tenders with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, smooth mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Once coated, dredge the chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing down lightly to make sure the crackers stick.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet, spaced apart for even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken tenders are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve

With Dipping Sauces: Serve these Crack Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce.
With a Side of Fries: Pair them with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the perfect comfort food combo.
As a Salad Topping: Slice the tenders and top a fresh salad for a delicious twist on a traditional salad.
In a Sandwich: Make a chicken tender sandwich by placing the tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
For Meal Prep: These tenders are great for meal prep—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken tenders instead of frozen ones. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the mayo mixture if you prefer a spicy kick.
Try Different Crackers: While Ritz crackers are the classic choice, you can experiment with other crackers like Saltines or buttery crackers for a different flavor profile.
Customize the Coating: For an extra crunchy coating, you can double-dip the chicken tenders: coat them in the mayo mixture, dip them in the Ritz crackers, and then coat them in the mayo mixture again before the second layer of crackers.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to create your own tenders. Just ensure they are cooked through by checking the internal temperature.

2. Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the tenders for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

3. Can I use low-fat mayo?
Yes, you can use low-fat or light mayo for a lighter version, but keep in mind that it might slightly affect the creaminess of the coating.

4. Can I make the coating in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mayo mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to coat the chicken and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

6. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them after they’ve been coated but before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

7. Can I substitute the ranch seasoning packet?
Yes, you can use homemade ranch seasoning or other dry seasoning mixes to give the tenders a different flavor.

8. Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor.

9. How do I make the coating more crispy?
To make the coating crispier, you can spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking or broil them for the last 2-3 minutes to enhance the crispiness.

10. Are these tenders spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy. However, if you want to add some heat, you can include cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the mayo mixture.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory. With a simple, flavorful coating of mayo, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and crushed Ritz crackers, this recipe delivers chicken tenders that are irresistibly good. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tenders will surely be a hit. The easy prep, customizable flavors, and comforting crunch make them a staple in our household, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in yours too!