Description
Crack chicken tenders bring crispy, flavorful bites to your dinner table that your family keeps coming back for. The simple seasoning and cooking method makes this one of those meals you can rely on when you need something satisfying fast.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Coating and seasoning:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so the chicken cooks evenly throughout.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 packet of Ranch seasoning mix, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder in a medium bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Crush 1 cup of Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin and zip-top bag or a food processor, making sure the pieces are small enough to stick to your chicken.
- Dip each of your 1 lb chicken tenders into the mayonnaise coating, making sure every part gets covered completely.
- Roll the coated tenders in the crushed crackers, pressing gently so the coating adheres properly and creates an even layer across each piece.
- Place your breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them apart so hot air circulates around each one.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until your tenders turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Let your tenders rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving so the coating sets and becomes extra crispy.
Notes
- Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels before coating them, as moisture prevents the Ritz cracker coating from crisping up properly.
- Don’t skip crushing the crackers finely; larger pieces won’t stick as well and create an uneven, less crispy texture.
- Space the tenders at least an inch apart on your baking sheet so heat circulates around each piece and creates that satisfying crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers and check that your Ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
- If your tenders cook faster than expected, tent them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the centers finish cooking through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baked Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg