Crack Chicken Tenders are an irresistible twist on classic chicken tenders, packed with flavor and perfect crispiness. Coated with a creamy Ranch-Parmesan mixture and crunchy Ritz crackers, these tenders come out juicy on the inside and golden brown on the outside. They’re quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to make with minimal prep time
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A crowd-pleasing option for kids and adults alike
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Deliciously crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
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Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day snacks
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken tenders
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Mayonnaise
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Ranch seasoning mix
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Crushed Ritz crackers
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
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Coat each chicken tender thoroughly in the mayo mixture.
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Dredge the coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing to adhere.
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Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo mix.
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Low-Carb: Substitute Ritz crackers with almond flour.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
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Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar to the cracker mixture for extra cheese flavor.
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Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just cut the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
Is there a mayo substitute?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can work well as a substitute.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Absolutely, air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Try Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze after baking and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Will the coating stay crispy?
For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Are these suitable for kids?
Definitely, the mild flavors and crispy coating make them kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they’re perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
