Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious and fun dish that many people love. When I first made them for my family, I remember the joyful faces around the dinner table. The crunchy outside and juicy, tasty inside made everyone smile. This recipe is worth trying because it combines simple ingredients to create something special that your whole family will adore. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, Easy Crack Chicken Tenders is perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
One of the best things about Easy Crack Chicken Tenders is how simple and quick they are to make. Even if you don’t consider yourself a great cook, you can whip this dish up without any trouble. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, meaning you don’t need to make an extra trip to the store to gather fancy items.
The flavors in this recipe blend beautifully. The rich, creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese mix with the savory Ranch seasoning, garlic, and onion powder to create a mouthwatering coating that you can’t resist. Then, you add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers on top, which gives the chicken a crunchy, golden exterior.
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a great way to bring family and friends together. Cooking is about sharing moments and creating memories. Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, satisfaction, and fun to the dining table.
How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
Making Easy Crack Chicken Tenders is a delightful experience filled with enticing aromas and cheerful anticipation. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps, and soon you’ll be serving a dish that everyone will ask for again.
Start by preheating your oven, so it’s nice and hot when your chicken goes in. As you prepare your ingredients, notice the smell of the Ranch seasoning as you mix it with the creamy mayonnaise and tangy Parmesan cheese. It’s a combination that promises great flavor!
When you coat the chicken tenders, take your time to ensure they are fully covered. This step is important because it helps them stay juicy during baking. After coating the tenders, you will roll them in crushed Ritz crackers, which adds a delightful crunch. Just picture the golden-brown tops when they come out of the oven!
The final step is to bake the chicken until it’s cooked through. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. It’s hard to resist peeking in the oven to see how they’re doing!
Finally, when the tenders are golden brown and delicious, serve them hot. The joy of serving a meal you made with love is one of the best feelings in the world.
Ingredients
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1 pound chicken tenders
Chicken tenders are tender, juicy strips of chicken. They cook quickly and are easy to eat, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and moisture to the dish. It also helps the spices stick to the chicken. If you prefer, you could use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative. -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
This cheese gives a great flavor boost and adds a nice richness. For a different taste, you could use mozzarella or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. -
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
The Ranch seasoning mix brings a tasty blend of herbs and spices. You can make your own mix if you want to avoid preservatives or control the flavor. -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder provides a pleasant savory flavor that enhances the dish. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead for a stronger taste. -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Onion powder adds depth and sweetness to the flavors. You could use chopped green onions for a fresh touch. -
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Crushed Ritz crackers create that wonderful crunchy topping. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crackers work great!
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This helps ensure that your chicken cooks evenly. -
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed. Make sure to scrape down the sides to include all the ingredients. -
Coat the chicken tenders in the mixture evenly.
Take one chicken tender at a time and completely coat it with the mixture. You want every inch covered for the best flavor. -
Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a shallow dish.
You can use a plate or any shallow bowl. This makes it easy to roll the chicken tenders later. -
Coat each chicken tender with the crushed crackers.
Press the tender into the crushed crackers to create a nice even layer. Make sure each piece is covered to get that delicious crunch. -
Lay the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
You may want to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Space the tenders out a little to help them bake evenly. -
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A toothpick can help check doneness; if the juices run clear, they are ready! -
Serve hot and enjoy!
Allow the tenders to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This way, they stay hot and juicy!
How to Serve Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders can be served in many delightful ways. For a quick weeknight dinner, serve them alongside a simple salad or crispy fries. You could even set up a fun dipping bar with various sauces like barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard.
If you are feeling festive, these tenders would work great at gatherings or parties. You could offer them with a variety of sides: roasted veggies, popcorn, or even a warm soup.
Want to enjoy them as a snack? Cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking. These tenders can suit any meal or occasion; breakfast, lunch, or dinner—your guests will always be happy to see them on the table!
How to Store Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), storing them properly ensures they stay delicious for future meals. Simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate them in single layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until they become warm again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but keep in mind that this may make the coating a bit less crunchy.
Tips to Make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
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Use cold water to rinse chicken.
Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water for a cleaner taste and feel. -
Grate cheese fresh for more flavor.
Grating your own Parmesan cheese enhances the taste compared to pre-grated cheese. -
Don’t overbake!
Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying it out. Baking the tenders for just the right time keeps them juicy. -
Let them cool before slicing.
If you choose to slice the tenders, give them a few minutes to cool first. This helps keep the juices inside.
Variation
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Spicy version.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a kick of heat. -
Herb seasonings.
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a flavorful twist. -
Add cheese.
You can mix in shredded cheese with the crumb coating for an extra cheesy delight. -
Make it gluten-free.
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Easy Crack Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge after coating. Bake them just before you’re ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?
The best way to reheat Easy Crack Chicken Tenders is in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This helps keep the coating crispy. You can also use the microwave, but it may make them a little softer.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
Absolutely! You can swap Parmesan for any cheese you like, such as cheddar or mozzarella. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of crushed crackers.
Overall, Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are a fantastic meal to try. They are simple to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Make some today and enjoy the smiles around your dining table!
Print
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free crackers)
Description
Delicious and fun Easy Crack Chicken Tenders with a crunchy exterior and juicy inside, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken tenders evenly with the mixture.
- Place the crushed Ritz crackers in a shallow dish.
- Coat each chicken tender with the crushed crackers.
- Lay the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Best served with a dipping sauce or alongside a salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, easy recipe, family dinner, crispy chicken, quick meal