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This hearty crack chicken tenders recipe has been my family's dinner table hero for busy weeknights. The combination of crispy Ritz cracker coating and savory ranch flavor creates an irresistible dish that even the pickiest eaters devour.
I first discovered this recipe when searching for a chicken tender alternative that wasn't deep fried. After one bite, my husband declared these the best chicken tenders he'd ever tasted, and they've been in our regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Select fresh, plump tenders for the juiciest results
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the moist binding layer that helps everything stick
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami flavor to the coating
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix: The secret ingredient that makes these tenders addictive
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the ranch flavor with aromatic depth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed: The buttery crackers create an unbeatable crispy coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier while helping the tenders brown evenly on the bottom.
- Create the Binding Mixture:
- Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl until completely smooth. This creamy mixture not only helps the coating adhere but also infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy during baking.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Take each chicken tender and thoroughly coat it in the mayo mixture ensuring every surface is covered. Then dredge in the crushed Ritz crackers using gentle pressure to help the crumbs adhere. The more evenly coated the tenders are, the more consistently crispy your results will be.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The coating should be audibly crispy when done.
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The Ritz crackers are truly the star ingredient here. I once tried substituting with regular breadcrumbs and while the tenders were good, they lacked that distinctive buttery crunch that makes these tenders so addictive. My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year, calling them her special chicken fingers.
Make Ahead Options
These chicken tenders can be prepared up to the coating stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply arrange the coated tenders on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, transfer to a baking sheet and add about 2 minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
The versatility of these crack chicken tenders extends to their pairing options. While delicious on their own, they reach new heights when served with complementary dips. Honey mustard offers a sweet tanginess that balances the savory coating perfectly. For heat lovers, a sriracha mayo brings welcome spice. My personal favorite is a simple mixture of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing at a 2:1 ratio that enhances the ranch notes already in the chicken.
Serving Ideas
Transform these tenders into a complete meal with thoughtfully paired sides. For a classic comfort food dinner, serve alongside homemade mac and cheese or creamy mashed potatoes. To lighten the meal, pair with a crisp garden salad dressed with vinaigrette. These tenders also make excellent protein for wraps or can be sliced and added to Caesar salad for a heartier lunch option. For entertaining, cut into bite size pieces and serve with toothpicks as an appetizer that disappears quickly.
Common Queries
- → What type of chicken works best?
Chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts provide the right size and tenderness for optimal results.
- → Can I substitute mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt or sour cream are excellent alternatives for a lighter or tangier flavor.
- → How do I get the coating extra crispy?
Broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking for an extra crisp, golden finish.
- → What is the best way to crush Ritz crackers?
Place crackers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them into fine crumbs.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best freshness.