Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy and irresistible crack chicken tenders have become a sensation in home kitchens everywhere.

Succulent pieces of chicken get coated in an addictive blend of seasonings that make you crave every single bite.

Ranch dressing mix adds a tangy punch to these delectable morsels.

Generous sprinklings of cheese create a golden, crunchy exterior that seals in maximum flavor.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few pantry staples.

Minimal ingredients come together quickly, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner everyone will love.

Why Crack Chicken Tenders Are So Addictive

• Craft a Crunchy Delight: Ritz crackers provide an irresistible crispy exterior that elevates these chicken tenders from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Breeze Through Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen novices to seasoned home chefs.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Versatile seasoning blend allows for easy personalization by adjusting spices or trying different herbs, making it a flexible recipe for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Zero-Fuss Cleanup: Baking on parchment paper means minimal mess and quick clean-up, saving precious time and reducing post-meal kitchen stress.

Everything You Need for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein base for this crispy dish.

• Eggs, Milk: Create a smooth, sticky binding liquid that helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
• Ritz Crackers, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Provide a crunchy, flavorful exterior with savory seasoning.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the coating mixture.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken tenders.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for extra crispy results.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Whisk together eggs and milk in a shallow bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Crunchy Coating

• Crushed ritz crackers
• Ranch seasoning
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful and textured coating.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken tenders completely dry using paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Roll the tender in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them slightly apart to allow even browning and crispy edges.

Step 7: Add Final Touch

Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders to boost golden color and crunchiness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a deep golden-brown exterior.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove from oven and let tenders rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot chicken tenders and serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to help the egg mixture and cracker coating stick better, creating a crispier exterior.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Space tenders apart on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, ensuring even browning and crispy texture from all sides.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Press cracker mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thicker, more flavorful crust that locks in moisture and adds extra crunch.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked tenders every time.
• Oil Drizzle Trick: Lightly drizzle olive oil over tenders before baking to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior with enhanced browning.

Flavorful Add-Ons for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Buffalo Tenders: Replace ranch seasoning with buffalo sauce mixed into cracker crumbs. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for cooling contrast.
• Parmesan Herb Tenders: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs into cracker coating. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley after baking for bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Tenders: Mix dried oregano, za'atar, and crumbled feta cheese into cracker mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce for authentic Mediterranean experience.
• Coconut Crunch Tenders: Substitute half the ritz crackers with shredded coconut for tropical texture. Add ground ginger and lime zest to coating for bright, exotic flavor.

What to Pair with Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Blend cool ranch dressing with fresh chives and a dash of hot sauce for a creamy, tangy companion that complements the crispy tenders.
• Enhance with Crisp Coleslaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo-vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
• Match with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a light pilsner or wheat beer that cuts through the tenders' richness and cleanses the palate with its effervescent, hoppy notes.
• Complement with Sweet Corn Salad: Mix grilled corn kernels, diced red bell peppers, and a honey-lime vinaigrette to balance the savory tenders with bright, sweet undertones.

Keep Crack Chicken Tenders Fresh and Crunchy

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Prepare and cook tenders in advance, then portion into meal-prep containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQs About Crack Chicken Tenders

• What makes the ranch seasoning special in this recipe?

The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbal flavor that complements the crispy chicken tenders, creating a unique and delicious coating that sets this recipe apart from traditional breaded chicken.

• Can I use different types of crackers for the coating?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like saltines or butter crackers. Just ensure they’re finely crushed to create an even, crispy coating on the chicken tenders.

• How do I ensure the chicken tenders stay moist and crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before coating, use the egg wash to help the crumbs stick, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Drizzling olive oil helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “Crack Chicken Tenders” deliver irresistible flavor with crispy breading and zesty ranch seasoning. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines perfectly with tender chicken, creating an addictive meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 cup ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup crushed ritz crackers

seasonings:

• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

binding/coating:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal crispiness.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together to create a smooth binding liquid for the chicken tenders.
3. Mix ranch seasoning, crushed ritz crackers, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a separate wide dish to form a flavorful coating mixture.
4. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres perfectly.
5. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat in the seasoned cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick.
6. Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for even browning.
7. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tenders to enhance golden crispiness.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and achieves a deep golden-brown exterior.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to guarantee the ultimate crispy coating that clings perfectly to every inch of the tender.
• Use gluten-free ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities, creating an inclusive dish everyone can enjoy.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like cajun, herb, or spicy ranch to transform the flavor profile and keep the recipe exciting.
• Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese into the cracker mixture for an extra layer of savory depth and irresistible golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg