Name: Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 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 Ritz crackers, crushed

There’s something irresistibly juicy and crispy about this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe that just hits the spot every time. The genius combo of creamy ranch, Parmesan, and buttery Ritz cracker crust makes these tenders a total crowd-pleaser—and honestly, once you make them, you’ll want them all the time.

A white plate holds a stack of golden brown crispy fried pieces with a crunchy texture, topped with small chopped green herbs. The top piece is broken open, showing a white, tender inside. In the background, two small white round cups with dips, one light yellow and the other reddish-brown, sit slightly out of focus. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a spontaneous weeknight dinner, and these tenders turned out way better than I expected! The crispy coating has just the right amount of seasoning, and the chicken stays so tender and juicy inside. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up quickly but still impress your family or friends.

Super Crispy Crunch: The crushed Ritz crackers provide a buttery crunch that’s different from regular breadcrumbs.
Flavor-Packed Coating: Combining ranch seasoning with Parmesan and garlic powder gives loads of delicious depth.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Kid-Approved: My kids actually begged for seconds, which says a lot about how crave-worthy these are.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish wins because of the balance between creamy, cheesy, salty, and crunchy elements. Every ingredient plays a key role to create that addictive texture and flavor combo.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders neatly arranged, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding a light beige Ranch seasoning powder, a small white bowl with pale garlic powder, a small white bowl containing off-white onion powder, a small white bowl heaped with golden crushed Ritz crackers, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: They cook quickly and stay tender—way better than using large chicken breasts sliced thin.
Mayonnaise: It acts like glue for the coating and keeps the tenders moist while baking.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Ranch seasoning mix: Provides that classic herb and tangy punch without extra effort.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These deepen the savory flavor, making each bite richer.
Ritz crackers: Their buttery, flaky texture creates a golden, crispy coating that’s better than breadcrumbs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. It’s flexible enough to handle extra spices or a change in the coating, so feel free to put your own spin on it.

Variation: Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne powder to the mayo mixture for a little heat. It gives the tenders a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Dairy-free option: Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free mayo to make it allergy-friendly—it’s surprisingly good!
Paleo tweak: Use crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers to keep it grain-free while maintaining a crunchy crust.
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty cheese boost that my family goes crazy for.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

A stack of crispy, golden brown fried chicken pieces is arranged on a white plate, each piece showing a crunchy texture with small bumps on the surface. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top and around the chicken, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The background is softly blurred with warm lights and the plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. I always use parchment for easier cleanup, especially when dealing with mayo-based coatings that can get sticky.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Mayo Mixture

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything until smooth and well blended. This is where the magic begins—the creamy, tangy base is what makes the chicken so flavorful and juicy.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then press each piece into the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to ensure that the coating sticks well. Don’t be shy to get your fingers in there—it really helps build that perfect crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Arrange the coated tenders evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to flip them halfway through baking for even crisping, but it’s not required.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that make this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe foolproof and absolutely addictive. These tips saved me from flops and really boosted the texture and flavor every time.

Use Freshly Crushed Ritz: Crushing the crackers just before coating ensures maximum crunch. Pre-crushed crackers can get a bit stale and soggy.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: It’s not just for flavor—it helps the crust brown evenly, giving you that beautiful golden topping.
Press the Coating Firmly: When coating the tenders, gently press the cracker mix into the mayo layer so it adheres well and doesn’t fall off while baking.
Check the Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking. The perfect juicy bite happens at 165°F.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

crack chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the tenders just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite to balance the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often pair these crispy tenders with creamy coleslaw, roasted veggies, or garlic mashed potatoes. Sometimes I serve them over a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was making slider sandwiches with these tenders, a slice of cheese, and a dab of ranch dressing on soft buns—perfect for game day! They also make fantastic appetizer bites with a ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually last well for about 3 days. I find the crust holds up surprisingly well, but it’s always best to re-crisp them before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze these tenders happily—just flash freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When thawed, they still bake up crispy and delicious without much loss of flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I skip the microwave and pop them back in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back that golden crisp much better than microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

You can definitely use chicken breasts, but I recommend slicing them into strips similar in size to tenders. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the texture tender rather than dry.

What makes this called a 'Crack' Chicken Tenders Recipe?

The name comes from how addictive the tenders are! The crispiness combined with the creamy, flavorful coating is so good, it’s hard to stop eating once you start.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes! You can air fry the coated tenders at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method produces excellent crispiness and cooks the chicken quickly.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free tortilla chips. Just be sure to pick a ranch seasoning mix that’s gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation because it’s so forgiving and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting a casual dinner, or just want a cozy comfort meal, these tenders won't disappoint. Give it a try—you’ll see why I call it “crack” chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!