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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- Create a flavor-packed coating by whisking mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until thoroughly combined in a mixing bowl.
- Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by generously coating it with the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Arrange the fully coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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