There’s something about crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously flavorful chicken tenders that keeps everyone coming back for more. And when you add Ranch seasoning, buttery Ritz crackers, and Parmesan cheese into the mix? You’ve got Crack Chicken Tenders—a dish so good, it practically disappears the moment it hits the table.
I first made these on a game night with friends, thinking they’d be a simple snack. Big mistake. Within minutes, they were gone, and I had people asking if I had a second batch in the oven. That’s when I knew—this recipe wasn’t just a winner; it was a must-have.
And let’s be honest, we all love recipes that are easy to make yet packed with bold, crave-worthy flavors. These chicken tenders deliver just that, with a crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender chicken inside. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the crunch without the mess.
Want to make it a complete meal? Pair these tenders with a fresh Caesar Salad for a crisp contrast, or go all-in on comfort food with a Broccoli Rice Chicken Cheese Bake. Either way, you won’t regret it.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- It’s the easiest crowd-pleaser ever! I’ve made this for family dinners, parties, and even late-night snacks, and it’s always a hit.
- Crispy, cheesy perfection without deep frying: Thanks to the Ritz cracker coating and Parmesan, these tenders get insanely crispy in the oven.
- The Ranch seasoning is a game-changer: If you love that zesty, herby flavor, these tenders deliver it in every bite.
- It’s a meal-prep lifesaver: Make a big batch, freeze extras, and you’ve got crispy chicken on demand!
- Way better than takeout: Seriously, once you try these, fast-food tenders will never taste the same again.
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Ziplock bag (for crushing crackers)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Crush Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and place them in a separate bowl.
- Coat chicken tenders with the mayo mixture, then roll them in crushed crackers to coat evenly.
- Arrange tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 350kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Level Up Your Crack Chicken Tenders With These Tips!
- Skip the store-bought Ranch mix for a cleaner flavor: Most packets contain additives—make your own by mixing dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- For extra crunch, double-coat the tenders: After the first cracker coating, give them a quick egg wash and roll them in crackers again. More layers = more crispiness!
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before baking: This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off while cooking.
- Bake on a wire rack instead of directly on a baking sheet: This allows air to circulate around the tenders, making them crispier on all sides.
- Go beyond Ritz crackers: Try crushing Cheez-Its, pretzels, or even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for a next-level crunch and flavor twist.
- Want a smoky touch? Add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating for subtle heat and depth.
- Reheating? Air fryer > Microwave: Toss leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back the crunch without drying them out.
- Pair wisely: These tenders are rich and cheesy, so serve them with something fresh like a crisp Caesar salad or a light coleslaw to balance the meal.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
