Crack Chicken Tenders Delight

This crispy crack chicken tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible meal that both kids and adults will devour. The combination of creamy coating and crunchy exterior creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made these tenders when I needed a quick dinner solution that would please my picky eaters. What started as a desperate attempt to avoid takeout has become our most requested weeknight meal. The empty plate at the end of dinner tells the whole story.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: fresh and uniform in size ensures even cooking
• Mayonnaise: creates the moisture that keeps the chicken juicy, look for full fat version for best results
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated provides better flavor and texture than the prepackaged variety
• Ranch seasoning mix: the secret ingredient that gives these tenders their addictive flavor
• Garlic powder: adds depth that complements the ranch seasoning
• Onion powder: enhances savory notes without overwhelming the other flavors
• Crushed Ritz crackers: creates a buttery crisp coating that browns beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and give it sufficient time to fully heat. A properly preheated oven ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop that golden exterior. While waiting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Prepare The Coating Mixture:

Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely incorporated into a smooth, uniform mixture. This creamy base will not only add flavor but help the cracker coating adhere perfectly.

Coat The Chicken:

Dip each chicken tender individually into the mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides. Take your time with this step as proper coating is essential for both flavor and for helping the cracker crumbs stick properly. Let excess drip off for a cleaner finish.

Apply The Cracker Coating:

Roll each coated tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to all surfaces. The crackers should be crushed fine enough to stick but not so fine that you lose their texture. A ziplock bag and rolling pin works perfectly for crushing crackers.

Arrange For Baking:

Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet with at least an inch of space between each piece. Proper spacing allows air to circulate around each tender, resulting in more even browning and crispier exteriors all around.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. For absolute certainty, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tender.

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The Ranch seasoning is truly what makes these tenders special. I discovered its magic quite by accident when I was out of my usual spices. My husband declared them the best chicken he had ever eaten, and now we always keep Ranch packets in our pantry specifically for this recipe.

Make Ahead Options

These chicken tenders can be prepped up to a day in advance for even quicker dinner preparation. Simply coat the chicken and arrange on a parchment lined tray in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, allow the tenders to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. The cold chicken might otherwise require additional baking time and could result in uneven cooking.

Perfect Dipping Sauces

While these tenders are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping options. Honey mustard brings a sweet tanginess that complements the savory chicken. Ranch dressing enhances the ranch flavors already in the coating. Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that transforms the experience entirely. I like to serve all three options when entertaining so guests can customize their experience.

Storage And Reheating

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy exterior better than microwave reheating which tends to make the coating soggy. For packed lunches, these tenders are equally delicious served cold.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a substitute for mayo?

Yes, you can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers to make this dish gluten-free.

→ Can I make these tenders extra crispy?

To make them extra crispy, broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking process.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.