Name: Crack Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Tenders; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix ((about 1 ounce)); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 cup Crushed Ritz Crackers ((about 1 sleeve))

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a family-friendly dish that’s outrageously flavorful, quick to make, and guarantees clean plates all around the dinner table, look no further than Crack Chicken Tenders. These chicken tenders are ultra-juicy, coated in a savory ranch-Parmesan crust, and oven-baked until beautifully golden. The creamy, comforting flavors are just the beginning—each bite bursts with cheesy, tangy, and crunchy goodness that’s hard to resist.

Legend has it that the “crack” in the name comes from how utterly addictive these tenders are—one bite and you’ll be hooked! I first whipped up this recipe on a whim for a game night, and my friends raved about it so much they requested it for every gathering since. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights and picky eaters—just like my ever-popular Baked Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, these tenders offer tons of flavor with minimal effort. Ready to impress your family and bring smiles to the table? Let’s dive in!

What is Crack Chicken Tenders?

Ever heard a recipe name so curious that you had to make it just to see what the fuss was all about? Crack Chicken Tenders might just be the champion in that category! But don’t worry, there’s nothing illegal in this dish—just a seriously crave-worthy mix of creamy ranch, Parmesan cheese, and a buttery cracker crunch. Why “crack”? Well, once you take a bite, you’ll know—they’re simply irresistible! They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but after tasting these tenders, I’d venture to say they’ll win over anyone’s heart. Tempted to try something new? Let’s get cooking and see why everyone’s crazy for Crack Chicken Tenders!

Why You’ll Love This

First and foremost, the star quality of Crack Chicken Tenders lies in their unbeatable combination of juicy chicken, creamy ranch-infused coating, and a crunchy layer of crushed Ritz crackers. Every bite packs bold, savory flavors that leave you wanting more. Making these at home means you’ll not only save money compared to ordering take-out chicken strips, but you get to control exactly what goes into each tender—perfect for health-conscious eaters and picky kids!

And let’s not forget the toppings that make this dish shine: Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning add that classic comfort-food vibe, while the buttery Ritz cracker crust delivers the perfect crunch. If you loved my Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs, then you’ll absolutely adore this recipe—give both a try for a weeknight chicken lineup your family will rave about! Ready to taste a new favorite? Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders

Quick Overview

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe comes together in under 35 minutes and requires just seven ingredients—minimal prep, straightforward steps, and maximum flavor! The real magic is in the quick assembly: chicken tenders are smothered in a creamy mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture, rolled in crushed crackers, and baked until crispy and golden. It’s hard to believe something this simple could taste so delicious!

Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders on a plate with ranch dip and sprinkled herbs

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven and prepare your pan.
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Make the creamy coating.
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Crush the crackers.
Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Pour the crushed crackers into a shallow dish.
Coat the chicken.
Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Dip each tender into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated on all sides.
Bread the tenders.
Roll each coated chicken tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Lay the tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake.
Bake for 22–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot and enjoy!
Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dip.

What to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders With

Crack Chicken Tenders are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, try roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or macaroni and cheese. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo are all fantastic choices. For drinks, a light lemonade or iced tea balances out the savory richness of the tenders.

Top Tips for Perfecting Crack Chicken Tenders

Ingredient swaps: No Ritz crackers? Use buttery club crackers or even cornflakes for a similar crunch.
Timing is key: Bake just until golden for maximum juiciness—overbaking can dry the chicken.
Extra flavor: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick.
Avoid soggy bottoms: Arrange chicken tenders on a wire rack over your baking sheet for all-around crispiness.
Kid-friendly tip: Let little helpers coat the tenders; it’s a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen (and more likely to try the finished dish!).

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep Crack Chicken Tenders fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

For reheating, place tenders on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. Microwaving is quick, but the coating won’t be as crisp—use the oven for best results!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply cut chicken breasts into strips, and follow the recipe as directed.

2. Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz and double-check your Ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
You can assemble the tenders up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake—perfect for meal prep!

5. What should I do if the cracker coating doesn’t stick?
Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the mayo mixture and gently press the crumbs onto the tenders. If needed, drizzle a touch of melted butter before baking to help it adhere.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are proof that an incredible meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little oven magic, you’ll have a plateful of juicy, crispy chicken tenders your whole family will love. Don’t be surprised if this recipe earns a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation—it’s that good!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy chicken favorites for more crowd-pleasing inspiration. Thank you for stopping by, and happy cooking!