Juicy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: Irresistibly Addictive

Cooking crack chicken tenders brings a whole new level of deliciousness to your dinner table.

Tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, cheesy mixture will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Crispy edges and a rich, savory flavor define this irresistible dish that comes together in minutes.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and an amazing meal.

Bacon adds an extra punch of smoky goodness that complements the creamy chicken perfectly.

Cheese lovers will go crazy for this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender strips of chicken that serve as the base for this delicious recipe.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy coating.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic garlic taste.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crunchy, golden exterior that adds texture to the chicken tenders.

How To Cook Crack Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This temperature ensures your chicken tenders will become perfectly crispy and golden.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Create Magical Coating Mixture

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk until the ingredients transform into a smooth, tantalizing mixture.

Step 4: Dress The Chicken

Generously coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with deliciousness.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Exterior

Roll the coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing firmly to help the crumbs adhere and create a crispy armor.

Step 6: Arrange For Perfect Baking

Place the dressed chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The tenders are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the chicken tenders cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips To Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders

• Use fresh Ritz crackers and crush them finely for an extra crispy coating that delivers maximum texture.
• Space chicken tenders evenly on the baking sheet to ensure hot air circulates and creates a crisp exterior on all sides.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Experiment with different Ranch seasoning variations or add dried herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the mayo mixture's taste profile.
• Prepare coating and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Enhancements For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Ranch Challenge: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to Ranch seasoning mix for extra kick and heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Protein Swap: Substitute crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for keto-friendly version with fewer carbohydrates.
• Greek-Inspired Edition: Mix in dried oregano, lemon zest, and replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean flavor profile.

Suggested Pairings For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Create a vibrant spread with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, buffalo ranch, and classic marinara to complement the crispy chicken tenders.
• Picnic Perfect Partner: Pack these tenders in lunch boxes, wrap individually in foil, and serve cold or at room temperature for easy outdoor meals and school lunches.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange tenders on a large wooden board with colorful veggie sticks, sliced pickles, and quick-mix dipping sauces for an impressive sports watching spread.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve tenders over a bed of mixed green salad, drizzle with light ranch dressing, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a complete balanced meal that everyone will love.

Storage Advice For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap each chicken tender individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the mayo mixture special in this recipe?

The combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning creates a creamy, flavorful coating that helps the Ritz cracker crumbs stick to the chicken and adds extra richness.

• Can I use different types of crackers for the coating?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other types like saltine crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a similar crispy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

Why Crack Chicken Tenders Are Irresistible

• Whip Up Quickly: Super-simple recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Kid-friendly chicken tenders that pack tons of flavor, making mealtime exciting and satisfying for everyone at the table.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Great for casual dinners, game nights, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals that require minimal preparation and maximum taste.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe where you can swap cracker types, adjust seasonings, or pair with different dipping sauces to match personal preferences.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sumptuous crack chicken tenders bring southern comfort flavors to your dinner table with irresistible crispy coating and creamy ranch-inspired seasoning. Diners will crave these golden, perfectly seasoned chicken strips that promise maximum flavor and simple culinary satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Coating:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup (100 grams) Ritz crackers (crushed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a precise 375°F, creating the ideal temperature for crispy, golden chicken tenders.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Create a creamy coating by whisking mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Thoroughly dip each chicken tender into the seasoned mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Roll the coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, firmly pressing the crumbs to form a robust, crunchy exterior.
6. Carefully arrange the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even browning and crisp edges.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the tenders transform into a beautiful golden-brown color.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing fully cooked chicken.
9. Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest briefly to allow the coating to set and cool slightly.
10. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce, creating a delightful crispy chicken experience.

Notes

• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to make the dish celiac-friendly without losing the crispy texture.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo mixture for those who love a kick of heat in their chicken tenders.
• Mix the coating ingredients and coat the chicken tenders the night before, then store in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy flavor while keeping the chicken tender and moist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg