Description
These crispy Crack Chicken Tenders are coated in a creamy ranch-Parmesan mixture and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, then baked until golden and juicy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy, family-friendly chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or a delicious dinner with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Ranch Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Crush the Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a resealable bag and crush them into small crumbs using a rolling pin. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
4. Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into the creamy ranch mixture, coating all sides evenly.
5. Add the Crispy Coating: Roll each coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes. Serve warm with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Extra Crispy: Use an oven-safe wire rack over a baking sheet to improve air circulation and crispiness.
Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips work as a substitute.
Cracker Coating: Crush Ritz crackers into small crumbs, but avoid turning them into fine powder.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan blends best into the creamy coating.
Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F for approximately 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until heated through to 165°F.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with French fries, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe (approximately 4 oz chicken before coating)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg