Easy Homemade Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe That Kids Adore

Tender, juicy crack chicken tenders have become my absolute obsession in recent weeks.

Crispy breading and creamy ranch seasoning create an irresistible combination that makes everyone crave more.

My kitchen constantly smells amazing when these beauties sizzle in the pan.

Folks go wild for this simple yet incredibly delicious dish that comes together in minutes.

Salt, pepper, and ranch mix turn ordinary chicken into something magical.

Each bite promises a burst of flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

You won’t be able to stop at just one serving of these addictive tenders.

What Makes Crack Chicken Tenders Addictive

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your meal game with these incredibly tasty chicken tenders that bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Mix, coat, and bake – this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kids and adults will love the crispy Ritz cracker coating and zesty Ranch seasoning, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Quick Prep Magic: From start to finish, you'll have a mouthwatering main dish ready in less than an hour, perfect for busy families and quick dinner solutions.

What’s Needed for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender and lean protein that serves as the base of this delicious recipe.
• Ritz Crackers: Buttery, crispy crackers that create a golden and crunchy coating for the chicken.

• Mayonnaise, Parmesan Cheese: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds rich, tangy flavor.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a zesty and herbal taste profile to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the chicken tenders and adds depth to the seasoning.

How to Fry Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to transform your chicken tenders into a crispy delight.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Blend these ingredients until they form a creamy, zesty coating that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Generously slather each chicken tender with the mayo mixture, ensuring every inch gets a flavorful embrace. Then roll the coated tender in crushed Ritz crackers, creating a crunchy armor that will crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Place the dressed chicken tenders on a baking sheet, giving each piece some breathing room to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tenders turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked completely through.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out those sizzling tenders and serve immediately.

Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor.

Great Advice on Crack Chicken Tenders Prep

• Crush Ritz crackers finely for an extra crispy coating that provides maximum texture and crunch on the chicken tenders.
• Mix Ranch seasoning thoroughly with Parmesan cheese to ensure even flavor distribution across every chicken tender.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked tenders.
• Let mayo mixture sit on chicken for 5 minutes before coating with crackers to help seasonings adhere and keep meat juicy.

New Takes on Crack Chicken Tenders Flavor

• Spicy Ranch Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo mixture for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Tenders: Replace Ranch seasoning with dried oregano, basil, and thyme, then coat with panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Tenders: Mix shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños into the mayo coating for a zesty, cheesy version.
• Coconut Crunch Tenders: Swap Ritz crackers with shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts for a tropical-inspired crunch.

Foods That Match Crack Chicken Tenders Well

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Combine extra Ranch seasoning with sour cream for a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that amplifies the chicken's ranch flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Coleslaw: Prepare a light, crunchy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to balance the rich, creamy chicken tenders and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a light, hoppy craft beer like a pale ale or pilsner to cut through the richness and enhance the savory cracker coating.
• Serve alongside Roasted Garlic Broccoli: Roast broccoli with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious green side that complements the crispy chicken's flavor profile.

Store Crack Chicken Tenders to Maintain Crunch

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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

Preheat to 350F, place tenders on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Spray with cooking oil to restore crispiness and prevent drying.

Cook at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method keeps the coating crispy and reheats evenly without overcooking.

FAQs

• What makes the coating stick to the chicken tenders?

The mayonnaise acts as a binding agent, helping the Ritz cracker crumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken, creating a crispy and flavorful exterior that seals in moisture.

• Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz?

Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes work great as alternatives to give your chicken tenders a crunchy coating.

• Is Ranch seasoning mix necessary for this recipe?

While Ranch seasoning adds extra flavor, you can substitute it with other dry seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or create your own mix of dried herbs and spices to customize the taste.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy crack chicken tenders deliver an irresistible flavor explosion straight from Southern comfort kitchens. Creamy ranch seasoning and melted cheese create a mouthwatering coating that will make your taste buds dance with pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Coating:

• 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Ritz crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 375°F (190°C) to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
2. Create a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, sharp Parmesan cheese, zesty Ranch seasoning, aromatic garlic powder, and savory onion powder in a mixing vessel.
3. Thoroughly enrobe each chicken tender with the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Roll the coated tenders generously in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to create a crisp, even exterior.
5. Strategically position the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet, allowing adequate spacing for even heat circulation.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the exterior transforms into a golden-brown, crispy coating and the internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
7. Transfer the sizzling, crackling chicken tenders to a serving platter, allowing them to rest briefly before presenting this delectable, crunchy delicacy.

Notes

• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts down on calories while maintaining moisture.
• Gluten-free modification works perfectly by using gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers.
• Spice lovers can amp up the flavor by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture for an extra kick.
• Prep tenders ahead of time by marinating in the mixture and coating with crumbs, then freezing for quick weeknight meals that bake straight from frozen.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg