Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. These tender chicken strips are coated in a creamy, cheesy mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning, then dipped in crunchy crushed Ritz crackers for the perfect texture. This easy-to-make recipe has quickly gained popularity for its rich, irresistible flavor, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends.
What makes these chicken tenders stand out is the combination of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, which infuses the chicken with bold flavors. The creamy coating ensures that each bite is juicy, while the Ritz crackers add a satisfying crunch on the outside. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these Crack Chicken Tenders will have everyone coming back for more. They’re sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dish that’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, Crack Chicken Tenders should be at the top of your list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are an incredibly flavorful, easy-to-make dish that delivers big on taste. The creamy, cheesy coating pairs perfectly with the crispy Ritz cracker crust, making each bite incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that feels indulgent and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
These tenders are also highly versatile. You can enjoy them as a quick dinner, serve them as party appetizers, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun snack. The ranch seasoning gives the tenders a distinct, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the recipe is easy enough for beginner cooks, making it perfect for anyone who wants to prepare a delicious, no-fuss meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken tenders
- Mayonnaise
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed Ritz crackers
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Crack Chicken Tenders: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese with the Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers, such as gluten-free Ritz or another preferred brand, to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Baked Crack Chicken Tenders: For a lighter version, bake the tenders instead of frying them. Simply coat the tenders and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken tenders on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or plate. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll each coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Tenders
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil (vegetable oil or olive oil works well). Once the oil is hot, place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet. Cook the tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t skip the drying step: Patting the chicken dry ensures the coating sticks better, giving you a crispier result.
- Use fresh or thawed chicken tenders: If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, make sure they are completely thawed and drained of excess moisture before starting the recipe.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to add more garlic powder, onion powder, or ranch seasoning.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, but not smoking. This ensures the tenders will cook quickly and evenly without absorbing too much oil.
How to Serve
These Crack Chicken Tenders are perfect on their own or paired with various sides and dipping sauces:
- With a side of fries or potato wedges: Classic comfort food, ideal for a family dinner.
- On a salad: Add the chicken tenders to a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.
- With dipping sauces: Serve with your favorite sauces like ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- As an appetizer: Serve these tenders at your next party or gathering, along with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crack Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in a skillet or in the oven, rather than the microwave.
Freezing
These tenders can be frozen for later use. After coating the chicken and before frying, place the prepared tenders on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, simply fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover tenders, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side.
FAQs
1. Can I bake Crack Chicken Tenders instead of frying them?
Yes! Simply bake the tenders at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can use any type of cracker you like. Saltines or any buttery crackers can be used as an alternative to Ritz crackers.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts can be cut into strips and used as an alternative to chicken tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the pieces are thicker.
4. How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Chicken tenders are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
5. Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coat it with the mayo mixture and Ritz crackers, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
7. Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Can I make a healthier version of this recipe?
To make a healthier version, try using a lighter mayo or Greek yogurt and bake the tenders instead of frying them.
9. Can I use other seasonings besides ranch mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other seasonings or spice blends. Garlic herb seasoning or Cajun seasoning would also pair well with these tenders.
10. Can I freeze cooked chicken tenders?
While you can freeze cooked chicken tenders, they may not stay as crispy. It’s better to freeze them before cooking and fry them when ready.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. With a creamy, cheesy coating and a crispy Ritz cracker crust, these tenders are a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will love. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they’re a versatile and flavorful option that pairs well with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Make them today and enjoy a flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
PrintCrack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy and flavorful chicken tenders are coated with a creamy Parmesan-mayo mixture and seasoned with Ranch, garlic, and onion powder, then rolled in crushed Ritz crackers for a perfectly crispy crust. A delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit!
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Next, roll the coated chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers until evenly covered.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can bake these tenders on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
- You can also add a little extra Parmesan cheese to the Ritz cracker coating for an even cheesier crust.
- These tenders are delicious with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American