Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders

This hearty Crack Chicken Tenders recipe has become my family's weeknight salvation when we need something quick but still impressive. The combination of seasoned mayo, crunchy Ritz crackers, and Ranch flavoring creates chicken tenders that are impossible to resist.

I first created these tenders when my kids were going through a "chicken nugget only" phase. These tenders not only broke the cycle but became their most requested dinner. Now they actually cheer when they see the Ritz crackers come out at dinner time.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: 1 pound – Fresh not frozen ensures the best texture and even cooking
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup – Creates the moist base that helps seasoning stick and keeps chicken juicy
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated – Adds savory depth and helps form a crispy crust
• Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet – The secret ingredient that gives these tenders their addictive flavor
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon – Enhances savory notes without overpowering
• Onion powder: ½ teaspoon – Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile
• Ritz crackers: 1 cup crushed – Their buttery flavor and unique texture make these tenders special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and give it time to fully preheat. This ensures even cooking and that perfect crispy exterior. While waiting prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Create The Flavor Base:

In a mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise Parmesan cheese Ranch seasoning mix garlic powder and onion powder. Mix until completely smooth with no lumps. This creamy mixture does double duty locking moisture into the chicken while helping the cracker coating adhere.

Coat The Chicken:

Take each chicken tender and fully coat it in the mayo mixture ensuring every bit is covered. This step is crucial for flavor infusion and helping the crackers stick. Dont rush this process as thorough coverage makes all the difference in the final result.

Apply The Cracker Coating:

Roll each coated tender in the crushed Ritz crackers pressing gently but firmly to ensure the crumbs adhere to all sides. The more evenly coated they are the better the crunch factor will be in the finished dish.

Arrange For Baking:

Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding will create steam that softens the coating rather than allowing it to crisp up properly.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should be crispy while the inside remains tender and juicy.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the tenders to rest for about 3 minutes before serving. This helps set the coating and ensures it stays attached to the chicken when you pick them up.

The Ranch seasoning is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this by accident when I was out of my usual spice blend and grabbed a Ranch packet in desperation. My son who normally picks the coating off chicken actually asked for seconds which in our house is the ultimate seal of approval.

Make-Ahead Options

These tenders can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Simply coat the chicken complete through the cracker step then arrange on a baking sheet cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you need to prep dinner earlier in the day.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these tenders are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own pairing them with the right dipping sauce elevates them to restaurant quality. Our family favorites include honey mustard buffalo sauce Ranch dressing of course and a simple sriracha mayo. For the latter just mix 3 tablespoons of mayo with 1 teaspoon of sriracha and a squeeze of lime juice. Even the adults find themselves reaching for this combo.

Kid-Friendly Modifications

If you have children who are sensitive to stronger flavors you can easily adapt this recipe. Use only half the Ranch packet reduce the garlic and onion powders by half and focus on the buttery Ritz flavor. As they grow accustomed to these milder tenders you can gradually increase the seasonings until you are using the full amounts. I took this approach with my youngest who now happily eats the full-flavored version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, substitute regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers of your choice.

→ Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?

Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce are great choices for dipping.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I make these tenders extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.