There’s something almost magical about the crunch of Crack Chicken Tenders, coated in crispy, golden crackers and bursting with the bold flavors of ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. One bite, and you’ll understand why these tenders have earned their irresistible name. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacking, or even meal prepping, these crispy ranch chicken fingers bring unbeatable flavor with minimal effort.
I still remember the first time I made Crack Chicken Tenders for my family. My kitchen smelled incredible—warm, cheesy, and filled with the aroma of garlic and ranch. The moment they came out of the oven, my kids didn’t even wait for the plate to hit the table before grabbing one. The first crunch was met with wide eyes, and within minutes, the entire batch was gone. That was the moment I knew I had found a recipe worth keeping in our rotation forever.
For another crowd-pleasing meal idea, check out this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe—a creamy, spicy dish perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Tenders
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Easy to make: Simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Crispy and flavorful: Ranch seasoning, cheese, and a buttery cracker crust create a bold taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
- Kid-friendly: A hit with children and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for different diets and preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crack Chicken Tenders
First: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready:
- Chicken tenders – 1 lb, fresh and trimmed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- **1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Second: Prepare the Coating
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
For a hearty comfort meal to serve alongside, consider trying this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe—a classic dish the whole family will love.
Third: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Roll the tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing down slightly to adhere.
- Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Fourth: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Crack Chicken Tenders
- Use fresh chicken tenders for the juiciest texture.
- Double coat the tenders for an extra crunchy bite.
- Try different coatings like crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option.
- For even crispier tenders, use an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
For another crispy, cheesy delight, you might enjoy these Philly Cheese Steak Sliders—a perfect addition to any game day menu.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Crack Chicken Tenders
- Skipping the parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Not pressing the coating firmly – Ensures the crispy crust stays intact.
- Overbaking the tenders – Leads to dry, tough chicken.
FAQs About Crack Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I make crack chicken tenders in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with ranch chicken tenders?
A: Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Q: Can I freeze crack chicken tenders?
A: Yes! Freeze after baking and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious, crispy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for any meal. Whether baked or air-fried, their crunchy coating and rich ranch-Parmesan flavor make them a go-to favorite. Try them today and let us know how you customize your batch!
PrintCrack Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy, packed with ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and coated in buttery Ritz crackers. Perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or meal prepping, these tenders bring maximum crunch with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders – 1 lb, fresh and trimmed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
First: Prepare the Coating
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
Second: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Roll the tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing down slightly to adhere.
- Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Third: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an even crispier texture, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Substitutions: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze baked tenders in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~22g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Tenders, Ranch Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken Strips, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Baked Chicken Tenders, Kid-Friendly Meals, Easy Chicken Recipes