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Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 146 reviews

This Crack Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a zesty mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, and spices, then crusted with crunchy Ritz crackers. Baked to golden perfection, these tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a flavorful snack or meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb. chicken tenders
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Mixture

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken tenders to a golden crisp.
  2. Prepare the coating mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these ingredients well until they form a smooth, creamy coating mixture.
  3. Coat the chicken tenders: Thoroughly coat each chicken tender in the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring every piece is fully covered. This mixture will help the cracker crust stick and add flavor and moisture.
  4. Crush the crackers: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. This crunchy coating will create a deliciously crispy texture once baked.
  5. Crust the chicken tenders: Dredge each mayonnaise-coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well to every surface.
  6. Arrange for baking: Place the coated chicken tenders onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking rack. This setup prevents sticking and allows even heat circulation.
  7. Bake until golden and cooked through: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve your crunchy, flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders hot for the best taste.

Notes

  • Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for an even coating and crisp texture.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option but note it may change the flavor slightly.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.