Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe 

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying chicken recipe, this Easy Crack Chicken Tenders recipe is the perfect choice. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these tenders come out crispy, cheesy, and packed with the irresistible taste of ranch seasoning and Parmesan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or whenever you want a delicious comfort meal without the hassle.

This recipe features tender chicken coated in a creamy mayo mixture infused with garlic, onion, ranch seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, then covered with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust. The result is a juicy interior and a golden, crispy exterior that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
4. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat each piece evenly with the creamy mixture.
5. Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a shallow dish.
6. Press each coated chicken tender into the crushed crackers, ensuring they are fully covered.
7. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

Serve these Easy Crack Chicken Tenders hot for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. For a complete meal, accompany them with sides such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy French fries. They also make a great appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy when reheating, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the crispy coating.

Variations

1. Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders
   Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mayonnaise mixture for a mild heat boost. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the coated tenders before baking to intensify the spice level.
2. Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders
   Mix 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mayonnaise mixture along with the Parmesan for a richer, cheesier flavor. This variation adds a nice sharpness that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
3. Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders
   Replace the crushed Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier and lighter coating. Panko tends to crisp up more and gives a slightly different texture, ideal if you prefer a less buttery crust.
4. Gluten-Free Crack Chicken Tenders
   Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers. Make sure the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
5. Dairy-Free Version
   Swap the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy. This option works great for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
6. Herbed Crack Chicken Tenders
   Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley into the mayonnaise mixture for an aromatic twist. This variation adds fresh herbal notes and can be customized to your favorite herb combinations.
7. Lemon Garlic Crack Chicken Tenders
   Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon in the mayo mixture. This gives the tenders a bright, zesty flavor that complements the creamy coating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. Just adjust the baking time to ensure they cook through completely.
2. Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in this recipe?
   Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and acts as a binding agent for the coating. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream if preferred.
3. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
   This recipe is designed for baking to achieve a crispy coating without frying, making it healthier and easier to prepare.
4. How do I make the coating extra crispy?
   Using crushed Ritz crackers combined with Parmesan cheese and baking at 400°F helps achieve a crispy crust. Using panko breadcrumbs is another great option for extra crunch.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
   You can coat the chicken tenders with the mayo mixture and crackers, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
   Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.
7. Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
   Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the crispy coating, making it soggy when reheated.
8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes, these tenders can be made in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated in the oven for a quick meal.
9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
10. How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
    The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy when done.

This Easy Crack Chicken Tenders recipe is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy crispy, cheesy chicken with minimal effort. Using everyday ingredients like mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers creates a deliciously crunchy coating that locks in moisture and taste. Perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or parties, these chicken tenders are sure to become a family favorite. With plenty of variations and easy storage tips, this recipe is versatile and convenient, making it a go-to choice whenever you crave a tasty, satisfying meal. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and savory flavors every time.

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