Pin it
The ultimate comfort food gets a flavor upgrade with these irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders. Coated in a rich blend of Ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese, then wrapped in buttery crushed Ritz crackers, these tenders deliver an addictive crunch that gives way to perfectly juicy chicken inside. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a crave-worthy dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
I've made these tenders countless times for family gatherings, and they consistently disappear faster than any other dish. My youngest daughter, who usually sticks to plain chicken, now requests these "special crunchy tenders" at least twice a week.
Your Perfect Ingredients Guide
- Chicken Tenders: Choose fresh, uniform-sized tenders for even cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly before coating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise creates the best flavor base and helps keep the chicken incredibly moist while baking
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides superior flavor and melting properties compared to pre-grated varieties
- Ranch Seasoning: The packet variety works perfectly, but look for ones without artificial ingredients for the best flavor
- Ritz Crackers: Their unique buttery flavor is key to this recipe's success. Crush them just before using for optimal freshness
Crafting Your Perfect Tenders
- Preparation Phase
- Begin by patting your chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures the coating will stick properly and become perfectly crispy.
- Creating the Flavor Base
- Combine your mayonnaise with the Ranch seasoning and Parmesan, mixing until completely smooth. This mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Coating Process
- Working with one tender at a time, coat thoroughly in the mayo mixture, allowing excess to drip off. This creates the perfect base for your cracker coating.
- Cracker Application
- Press each tender gently into the crushed crackers, ensuring even coverage. The key is applying just enough pressure to make the coating stick without compressing it too much.
- Baking Setup
- Arrange your coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure proper crisping.
- The Perfect Bake
- Monitor your tenders closely during the final minutes of baking. The coating should be golden brown and crispy, while the chicken remains juicy inside.
Pin it
Growing up in a Southern household, I learned that the secret to perfect chicken tenders lies in the coating. My grandmother always said, "The crunchier the outside, the more they'll come back for seconds."
Making It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations in the mayo mixture. Sometimes I add a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick that complements the Ranch perfectly.
The Art of Dipping
While these tenders are flavorful enough to stand alone, I love serving them with a variety of sauces. My family's favorite is a simple mixture of honey mustard with a touch of Ranch dressing.
After countless batches of these tenders, I've found that success lies in not rushing the process. Taking time with each step, from thoroughly drying the chicken to carefully coating each piece, makes all the difference in creating tenders that are truly crack-worthy.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why are they called Crack Chicken Tenders?
- The name comes from how addictively good they are, thanks to the combination of Ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and buttery Ritz crackers.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- While best served fresh, you can prep the coating mixtures ahead. For optimal crispiness, coat and bake just before serving.
- → How do I keep them crispy?
- Space them well on the baking sheet and consider broiling the last 1-2 minutes. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Yes! Cut chicken breasts into tender-sized strips and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- → What dipping sauces work well?
- Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce all complement these tenders perfectly.