If you’re searching for a meal that’s outrageously flavorful, impossibly crispy, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters, look no further than Crack Chicken Tenders. This irresistible dish wraps juicy chicken in a savory layer of Ranch seasoning, salty Parmesan, and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs—baked to golden perfection. Quick enough for busy weeknights and festive enough for gatherings, Crack Chicken Tenders are about to become a star at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crack Chicken Tenders starts with a few everyday ingredients coming together in a whirlwind of flavors and textures. Each one is essential for that crave-worthy bite—let’s talk about how they shine!
- Chicken Tenders: These are the perfect size for kid-friendly portions and cook quickly while staying juicy.
- Mayonnaise: It locks in moisture and helps all the seasonings cling to the chicken for a bold flavor in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty punch and melds into the crunchy coating beautifully.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is the secret to that signature addictive taste—herby, tangy, and utterly delicious.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the tenders with a gentle savory warmth that complements the Ranch perfectly.
- Onion Powder: For that extra depth of flavor, onion powder rounds everything out.
- Ritz Crackers (crushed): Buttery, crispy, and golden—these make the outer layer truly irresistible!
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick grease to prevent sticking. This step sets you up for perfectly baked Crack Chicken Tenders and makes cleanup wonderfully easy!
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is creamy and evenly blended. This is the “crack” layer that clings to the chicken and gives the tenders their trademark flavor explosion!
Step 3: Crush the Crackers
Take your Ritz crackers and crush them—either in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or pulsed in a food processor—until you have fine, sandy crumbs. These will create the craveable, golden-brown crust that makes Crack Chicken Tenders so special.
Step 4: Coat the Tenders
Dip each chicken tender first into the mayo mixture, thoroughly coating all sides. Next, dredge it in the Ritz cracker crumbs, gently pressing to help them stick. Laying the coated tenders on your prepared sheet as you go helps keep things tidy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken tenders with some space between them on the baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden, crisp, and cooked through (they should register 165°F on a thermometer). If you love extra crunch, try broiling them for the last 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the Crack Chicken Tenders cool slightly before serving. This helps the coating stay intact and prevents burnt tongues from over-eager taste tests! Grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Crack Chicken Tenders with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts, and a squeeze of lemon adds zesty contrast to all that savory richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crack Chicken Tenders with all sorts of crowd-pleasers. Crispy fries, roasted veggies, a fresh garden salad, or even buttery corn on the cob all make fantastic companions. For dipping, classic Ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauces are always hits!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tenders on a big platter for parties, tuck them into wraps or sandwiches for easy lunches, or slice them over salads for a protein-packed upgrade. For game days, arrange them with toothpicks and a trio of dips for snackable, shareable fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Chicken Tenders keep well in the fridge. Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The coating will stay reasonably crisp, especially if stored in a single layer so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prepping or stashing away for quick dinners.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Crack Chicken Tenders in a 350°F oven or an air fryer until warmed through and crispy at the edges. The microwave is quick, but can make the coating a bit soft, so use the oven or air fryer if you’re after that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the size of regular tenders, and follow the recipe as written. Just watch the baking time, as thicker pieces may need an extra couple of minutes.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be swapped in for a lighter version. They both keep the chicken moist and help the seasoning stick, with a slightly tangy touch that’s delicious!
Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free cracker in place of Ritz, and double-check your Ranch seasoning for hidden gluten. The result is still just as flavorful and crisp.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure each chicken tender is well-coated in the mayo mixture before dredging in the crackers, and press the crumbs onto the chicken gently but firmly. Chill the coated tenders for 10 minutes before baking for extra hold.
Can I prepare Crack Chicken Tenders ahead for a party?
For sure! You can coat the chicken and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake right before guests arrive for maximum crunch and warmth.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Crack Chicken Tenders have a reputation for disappearing fast: they’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with unbeatable flavor. Give them a try in your own kitchen and get ready to enjoy your new favorite way to serve chicken!
PrintCrack Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Tenders are coated in a savory, crispy layer of crushed Ritz crackers, Ranch seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, making each bite packed with flavor! They’re quick to prepare and bake, creating an easy, family-friendly meal that’s anything but boring. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders are sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Coating:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix coating: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Coat chicken: Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, then dredge in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing to ensure coating sticks.
- Bake: Arrange chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz.
- Extra Crispiness: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking for added crunch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
