Juicy Ranch Crack Chicken Tender Recipe for Family Joy

Juicy and irresistible, this crack chicken tender recipe promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Succulent chicken pieces get coated in a magical blend of seasonings that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy on the outside and impossibly tender inside, these chicken tenders bring serious restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

Weeknight dinner just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Salt, spices, and a secret ingredient create an addictive coating that makes these tenders impossible to resist.

Crunchy, zesty, and totally memorable, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that sparks joy around the dinner table.

Prepare to become the culinary hero your family can’t stop talking about.

Crispy and Flavor-Packed Crack Chicken Tender

• Crunch with Confidence: These chicken tenders deliver an irresistible crispy exterior that guarantees a satisfying bite every single time.
• Family Dinner Champion: Perfect for picky eaters and crowd-pleasing meals, this recipe transforms simple chicken into a delectable dish everyone will love.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few pantry staples and straightforward steps, you'll create restaurant-quality chicken tenders without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Quick Kitchen Victory: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a go-to solution for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal in less than an hour.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Tender

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, juicy strips of chicken that form the main protein base of this crispy dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and creates a rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty depth to the coating mixture.

• Ranch Seasoning: Provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a warm, aromatic taste to enhance the overall seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet onion flavor to the coating.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates a golden, crispy exterior that adds texture and a buttery crunch to the chicken tenders.

• Parchment Paper, Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup during baking.
• Dipping Sauce: Provides an additional flavor complement to the crispy chicken tenders.

How to Cook Crack Chicken Tender

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Coating

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Zesty ranch seasoning mix
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Flavorful onion powder

Stir everything together until you’ve got a smooth, tantalizing mixture.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Dive each chicken tender into the luscious mayo blend, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Next, roll the coated tender in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to help those crispy crumbs cling like best friends.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the dressed-up chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate up these mouthwatering tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Crispy Crack Chicken Tender

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the chicken tender and moist.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely and mix with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a more textured coating.
• Store leftover tenders in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• For gluten-free option, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy exterior.
• Experiment with different ranch seasoning blends or add dried herbs like parsley or dill to elevate the flavor profile and create a unique twist.

Variations on Crack Chicken Tender

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free corn chips or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture for a hot kick.
• Low-Carb Crispy Chicken: Swap Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly coating.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the mayo mixture for extra flavor complexity.

Pairing Ideas for Crack Chicken Tender

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the ranch-seasoned chicken tenders.
• Dip with Zesty Ranch Sauce: Create a homemade ranch dipping sauce by mixing sour cream, fresh dill, garlic powder, and a splash of buttermilk for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
• Serve Alongside Crunchy Coleslaw: Whip up a light, refreshing coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing to balance the crispy, savory chicken tenders.

Storage Tips for Crack Chicken Tender

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Preheat to 350F. Spread tenders on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place tenders in basket, cook at 350F for 3-5 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.

FAQs

The name comes from how addictively delicious these chicken tenders are, with a combination of ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and crispy Ritz cracker coating that makes them incredibly tasty and hard to stop eating.

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, or other butter crackers for a similar crispy texture.

• Is the ranch seasoning necessary?

Ranch seasoning adds significant flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, and a bit of garlic powder to create a similar taste profile.

Crack Chicken Tender Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Crack chicken tenders elevate comfort food with irresistible creamy, cheesy goodness that promises instant dinner satisfaction. Crispy, seasoned chicken strips draped in rich ranch and bacon create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Coating and Binding:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed Ritz crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
2. Create a flavor-packed coating by whisking mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until thoroughly combined in a mixing bowl.
3. Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by generously coating it with the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Enhance the texture by rolling the mayo-coated chicken tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, gently pressing to create a robust, crunchy exterior that adheres perfectly.
5. Arrange the fully coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and confirming internal temperature reaches 165F, indicating fully cooked chicken.
7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute, then plate with your preferred dipping sauce for a tantalizing meal experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use fresh Ritz crackers for maximum crunch and avoid stale crackers that might make the coating soggy.
• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to help the mayo mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the same crispy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg