Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor thanks to a coating of crushed Ritz crackers, Ranch seasoning, and Parmesan. Juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, these tenders are the perfect weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or kid-friendly finger food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor with simple ingredients: Ranch seasoning and Parmesan make every bite delicious.

• Crispy and crunchy: Ritz crackers create a buttery crust without deep frying.

• Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven.

• Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or snack with dipping sauces.

• Family-friendly: A meal both kids and adults will request again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken tenders
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

3. Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, then dredge in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.

4. Arrange tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).

6. Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

• Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to the mayo mixture.

• Cheese swap: Replace Parmesan with cheddar or Asiago for a different flavor.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz.

• Air fryer method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

• Not ideal for freezing, as the cracker coating may lose its crunch.

FAQs

What makes these “crack” chicken tenders?

The irresistible combination of Ranch, Ritz crackers, and Parmesan makes them so addictive!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, cut chicken breasts into strips for the same effect.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

No, the mayo mixture locks in moisture and flavor, no marinating required.

How fine should I crush the crackers?

Crush them into small crumbs but not powder—this gives the best crunchy texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.

Can I fry them instead of baking?

Yes, shallow fry in oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.

What dipping sauces go best with these?

Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce pair perfectly.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers?

Yes, but Ritz adds a buttery flavor that makes these unique.

How do I prevent soggy tenders?

Bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so air circulates around them.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the crispy coating and cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate quick and crispy dinner that everyone will love. With their buttery Ritz cracker crust and bold Ranch-Parmesan flavor, they’re addictive, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to party platters.

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