Crack Chicken Tenders

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Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Crack Chicken Tenders are made with chicken tenders, mayo, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, and crushed Ritz crackers. A 30-minute family favorite!

❤️ The Story Behind My Crack Chicken Tenders

Ah, Crack Chicken Tenders. The name might raise eyebrows at your next family gathering, but trust me—one bite and everyone’s hooked. I first stumbled upon the idea on a sleepy Sunday afternoon when dinner needed to be quick, kid-friendly, and ideally something that didn’t require a grocery run (because pants were not happening). What emerged from my kitchen was a gloriously golden, crispy-crunchy masterpiece that had everyone asking, “What is this deliciousness?!”

The inspiration? A deep love for comfort food, a pantry half-full of forgotten ingredients, and a dream—to never serve boring chicken again. Fast forward to today, and this is the most requested dinner in my house, second only to pizza night. These Crack Chicken Tenders turned my picky eaters into full-fledged flavor fanatics. And the best part? You can whip them up in 30 minutes with stuff you probably already have!

🌟 What Makes These Crack Chicken Tenders So Addictive?

Let’s just say you’ll want to make double—because leftovers? Not a chance. This recipe is the culinary equivalent of a mic drop.

Here’s what makes them irresistible:

• 30-Minute Magic: You’ll go from fridge to fork in just half an hour. Dinner doesn’t get easier than that.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: Thanks to crushed Ritz crackers, you get that satisfying crispy coating without deep frying or fuss.
• Savory Flavor Explosion: Ranch seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese create a trifecta of deliciousness that’s bold without being over-the-top.
• Kid (and Adult) Approved: Even your picky cousin who only eats beige food will devour these.
• Customizable AF: Gluten-free? Watching your macros? There are easy swaps to make these work for everyone.

👉 Looking for more weeknight winners? Check out our easy dinner recipes for stress-free meals in under 30 minutes.

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🧂 Ingredients Notes – What Makes These Tenders Tick?

This recipe keeps things simple but oh-so-tasty. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes each ingredient pop in your Crack Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken Tenders: The stars of the show. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips if that’s what you have.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick—plus it gives that nice golden brown bake.
• Parmesan Cheese: For umami richness. Freshly grated will always beat the stuff in the green can, but use what you’ve got!
• Ranch Seasoning: The secret weapon. You can use a store-bought packet or mix your own with dried herbs.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: These build the base flavors without overwhelming the palate.
• Ritz Crackers: The crispy coating dreams are made of. Crushed with love (or a rolling pin), they provide buttery crunch perfection.

🧑‍🍳 Bonus tip: Swap in Greek yogurt for the mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.

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📝 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Love & Detail)

These Crack Chicken Tenders come together like magic. Even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you’ve got this.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Like a Pro
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil spray to prevent sticking. While the oven heats up, you’ve got just enough time to make the coating and prep the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Magical Mayo Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the mayo, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. It should be thick, creamy, and so good you’ll be tempted to taste it (no judgment).

Step 3: Coat & Crust
One by one, dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture. Coat it well. Then roll it in the crushed Ritz crackers. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks like a cozy breaded hug.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection
Place the tenders on your baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to get crispy. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is your golden number). Want extra crunch? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch like a hawk to avoid burning!

Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let them rest for a few minutes before diving in. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo all pair beautifully.

🧊 How to Store Your Crack Chicken Tenders

While it’s unlikely you’ll have leftovers (these tenders vanish fast), here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For best results, use an oven or air fryer. Skip the microwave if you can—nobody wants soggy tenders.
• Freezer-Friendly? Absolutely! Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F until heated through and crispy.

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🔄 Variations & Substitutions for Crack Chicken Tenders

This recipe is flexible like yoga pants on a Sunday. Here’s how to tweak it to your taste:

• No Mayo? No Problem: Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter take.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap Ritz for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mayo mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Swap: Don’t have Parmesan? Use Pecorino Romano or sharp cheddar for a different cheesy vibe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free crackers (like Glutino or Schär) to make this Celiac-safe and still delicious.

Love recipe hacks? Don’t miss our ultimate substitution guide for every pantry panic.