Some recipes come into your life by accident—but quickly become family staples. That’s exactly what happened with these Easy Crack Chicken Tenders. I made them one hectic weeknight, hoping to turn a few plain chicken strips into something my kids would actually eat—and what happened next surprised me. They devoured them. No complaints, no leftovers. Just pure, satisfied silence and crunchy bites around the table.
Since then, these golden, buttery, crispy tenders have become a weekly must in our house. With their savory Ritz cracker coating, zesty Ranch seasoning, and creamy mayonnaise base that locks in every bit of juiciness, they’re truly impossible to stop eating.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Crispy without frying – baked to golden perfection, no oil splatters needed.
🥣 Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes start to finish.
💛 Addictively delicious – buttery, cheesy, and tangy all in one bite.
👩🍳 Beginner-friendly – no special equipment or skills required.
👨👩👧 Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing – perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
What Makes These “Crack” Chicken Tenders So Good
It’s all about that trio of flavor magic: buttery Ritz crackers, savory Parmesan cheese, and tangy Ranch seasoning. The mayo coating isn’t just for flavor—it keeps the chicken unbelievably juicy while helping the crust stick beautifully. Every bite delivers crunch, tenderness, and the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for “just one more.”
And yes, they really are that addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about one sleeve)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Grater or Microplane for Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick spray for extra crispiness.
2. Mix the Magic
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
3. Crush and Coat
Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs—small enough to coat evenly, but not powdery. Pour into a shallow dish.
4. Coat the Chicken
Pat each chicken tender completely dry with paper towels (this helps the coating stick!). Dip each tender into the mayo mixture, letting any excess drip off, then roll it in the cracker-Parmesan mixture. Press gently so the coating clings tightly.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, until the coating is crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
For extra crunch, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders
- Use room temperature mayo for best adhesion.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—air circulation is key for crispiness.
- Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before baking to help the crust set.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated.
- Dark baking sheets cook faster—check for doneness early!
Serving Suggestions
These tenders are the definition of comfort food! Serve them with:
- Crisp coleslaw with vinegar dressing
- Sweet potato fries or classic roasted potatoes
- Garden salad with honey mustard dressing
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ are all winners
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make ahead:
- Mix the seasoned mayo up to 24 hours in advance.
- Crush crackers and combine with Parmesan up to 3 days ahead.
Store:
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layer with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
Reheat:
Bake on a wire rack at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to restore that perfect crunch. Avoid microwaving!
Frequently Asked Questions
🧂 Why are they called “Crack” Chicken Tenders?
Because they’re so good, they’re downright addictive! The combination of buttery crackers, Parmesan, and Ranch hits every craving.
🍗 Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes—just cut them into strips about 1 inch wide for even cooking.
🔥 Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🌿 Can I make them healthier?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and bake on a wire rack for extra crispness with less fat.
🧀 What if my coating falls off?
Dry your chicken well, press crumbs on firmly, and don’t skip that short rest before baking.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: <1g (Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
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