Crispy Homemade Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe for Dinner Fun

Crispy crack chicken tenders promise a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Southern comfort meets addictive flavor in this simple yet irresistible dish.

Packed with ranch seasoning and creamy cheese, these tender morsels deliver pure deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Kids and adults alike will beg for seconds of these golden, juicy strips.

Minimal ingredients and maximum flavor combine to create a meal everyone will devour.

Nobody can resist these incredible chicken tenders – so roll up your sleeves and let’s cook something amazing.

Storing Leftover Crack Chicken Tenders Properly

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

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

Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet and warming at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid overcrowding to maintain their crunchy texture.

For quick reheating, use 30-second intervals at 50% power. Check temperature and stop when heated through to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What are Ritz crackers and why use them in this recipe?

Ritz crackers are buttery, salty crackers that provide a deliciously crispy and flavorful coating for chicken tenders. They add a crunchy texture and rich taste that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

While Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, it won’t provide the same richness and binding properties as mayonnaise. The mayo helps create a creamy, flavorful coating that helps the cracker crumbs stick to the chicken.

• Is Ranch seasoning mix necessary for this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a distinctive tangy and herbal flavor that complements the chicken. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Why Crack Chicken Tenders Are So Addictive

• Conquer Crunch Cravings: Ritz crackers deliver an irresistible crispy exterior that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a texturally exciting meal everyone will adore.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep work and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap seasonings or try different cracker types to match your family's taste preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to individual palates and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy coating and mild flavors make these chicken tenders a guaranteed hit with children, ensuring a stress-free mealtime that satisfies both parents and picky eaters.

What Goes into Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender chicken pieces that serve as the main protein base for this crispy baked dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and provides moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust.
• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crunchy, buttery exterior coating for the chicken tenders.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken tenders.

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat up completely. A properly preheated oven ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop a perfect golden crunch.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

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

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended. This creamy combination will deliver an incredible burst of flavor to your chicken.

Step 3: Transform Chicken Into Crispy Delights

Dunk each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure every inch gets a luxurious coating. Next, roll the tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere and create a deliciously crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Carefully place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the tenders just as creamy and delicious.
• Crush crackers finely for an extra crispy coating that ensures maximum crunch in every single bite.
• Use chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders aren't available, maintaining the same cooking time and technique.
• Season the cracker crumbs with additional herbs like dried parsley or thyme for deeper flavor complexity without extra work.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked tenders.

Ways to Change Up Crack Chicken Flavor

• Gluten-Free Cracker Option: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Fat Modification: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to mayo mixture for extra kick and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into cracker coating for aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.

Great Sides for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Refreshing Ranch Cocktail: Blend a homemade ranch-inspired vodka cocktail with fresh dill, buttermilk, and a hint of garlic for a zesty drink that mirrors the tender's seasoning profile.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the richness of the crispy chicken and provide a fresh contrast.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using sour cream, chives, and a splash of hot sauce to enhance the crackers' crunch and add an extra layer of tangy flavor.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Dive into culinary bliss with crack chicken tenders, a mouthwatering sensation that blends crispy coating and irresistible flavor. Succulent chicken meets creamy ranch seasoning, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 grams) crushed Ritz crackers

Seasoning Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pristine baking sheet by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of chicken tenders.
2. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, sharp Parmesan cheese, zesty Ranch seasoning, aromatic garlic powder, and pungent onion powder in a spacious mixing bowl until the blend transforms into a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Gently immerse each chicken tender into the seasoned mayo concoction, meticulously covering every surface to create a rich, flavorful base.
4. Roll the mayo-coated chicken tenders through crushed Ritz crackers, pressing firmly to guarantee a robust, crispy exterior that will provide delightful crunch and texture.
5. Position the breaded chicken tenders strategically on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to promote even cooking and optimal crispiness.
6. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing the tenders to bake for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown crust and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps seal in moisture and makes them easier to handle.

Notes

• Customize the coating by swapping Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce fat content and add a tangy protein boost while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the mayo mixture and cracker crumbs adhere better, creating a crispier exterior.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked tenders every time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg