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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal crispiness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together to create a smooth binding liquid for the chicken tenders.
- Mix ranch seasoning, crushed ritz crackers, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a separate wide dish to form a flavorful coating mixture.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres perfectly.
- 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.
- Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for even browning.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tenders to enhance golden crispiness.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and achieves a deep golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 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