Crack Chicken Tenders are a delightful and irresistible dish that combines the crispiness of fried chicken with a burst of flavor from a unique blend of seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. The combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning creates a creamy and tangy coating that pairs beautifully with the crunch of Ritz crackers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Crack Chicken Tenders:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful: The combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Crispy Texture: The crushed Ritz crackers provide a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
- Versatile: Serve these tenders as a main dish with your favorite sides, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious taste and crispy texture of these chicken tenders.
Ingredients
To make Crack Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
How to Make This Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Crack Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when you’re prepared to bake the chicken tenders.
- Prepare the Mayo Mixture: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This mixture will provide the flavorful base for your tenders.
- Dredge in Crackers: Next, dredge the coated chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers. Make sure each tender is fully covered in the cracker crumbs for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the tenders from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Success Tips
To ensure the best results, follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders and high-quality mayonnaise will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Crush Crackers Finely: Make sure the Ritz crackers are crushed finely for a more even coating and better adhesion.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When arranging the chicken tenders on the baking sheet, make sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and better crispiness.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. This ensures they are cooked through and safe to eat.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness.
Notes
- Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can add more garlic or onion powder, or even a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
- Serve with Sauces: These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This makes it easier to have a quick meal ready to go.
Nutrition
Crack Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also provide a good source of protein. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. However, chicken tenders are naturally more tender and may result in a better texture.
Can I fry these chicken tenders instead of baking?
While baking is the recommended method for this recipe, you can fry them if you prefer. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry the coated tenders for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs as a substitute for the Ritz crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
How can I make these tenders spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful addition to your meal rotation. With their crispy exterior and savory, creamy coating, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers on taste and ease. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!
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Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are a delightful and irresistible dish that combines the crispiness of fried chicken with a burst of flavor from a unique blend of seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. The combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning creates a creamy and tangy coating that pairs beautifully with the crunch of Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Mayo Mixture: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
- Dredge in Crackers: Dredge the coated chicken tenders in the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring each tender is fully covered.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders and high-quality mayonnaise will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Crush Crackers Finely: Make sure the Ritz crackers are crushed finely for a more even coating and better adhesion.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When arranging the chicken tenders on the baking sheet, make sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and better crispiness.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. This ensures they are cooked through and safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g