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 just something insanely satisfying about crispy, flavorful chicken that hits all the right notes. This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe combines that addictively cheesy, ranch-spiced crunch with juicy tenders inside — it’s a total crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

A white plate holds a stack of golden-brown fried chicken pieces, crispy with a textured breaded layer and sprinkled with small green chopped herbs. The top piece is broken in half, showing white, tender chicken inside with a juicy texture contrasted by the crunchy outside. Behind the plate, there are two small white cups filled with creamy yellow and dark reddish-orange sauces. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm tones of the food. 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

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how easy it was to pull off a restaurant-worthy crispy chicken at home without any deep frying. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory — making it the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to customize.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge—no hunting for fancy stuff.
Quick Prep and Bake: From mixing to baking, it takes about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside: The secret combo of mayo and crushed Ritz crackers locks in moisture while delivering that crave-worthy crunch.
Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Great for family dinners, game day, or potlucks—you can’t go wrong here.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a special role in bringing this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe to life. From the creamy mayo base that keeps tenders tender to the savory kick of ranch seasoning and Parmesan, they all come together for a perfectly balanced bite.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, another small white bowl containing pale beige Ranch seasoning powder, a small white bowl holding light brown crushed Ritz crackers, a small white bowl with fine white garlic powder, and a small white bowl with off-white onion powder, all 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: Naturally tender and quick-cooking, making them ideal for baking with a crunchy coating.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the coating while contributing a subtle tang and richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami depth and helps create a crunchy, golden crust.
Ranch seasoning mix: Packs in that beloved ranch flavor with herbs and spices for an easy flavor boost.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Amplify the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ritz crackers, crushed: An old-school secret to achieving a buttery, crisp coating that sticks beautifully.

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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

One thing I really love about this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easily you can play around with the flavors to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to switch up the herbs or cheeses—you’ll discover your own perfect version.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the ranch seasoning for a smoky chipotle version, which adds a nice spicy kick that my family loves.
Low-carb option: Try using crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers for a keto-friendly crunchy coating.
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top halfway through baking for a gooey finish.
Herb upgrade: Fresh chopped parsley or chives stirred into the mayo mix adds a fresh brightness and a pop of color.

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

The image shows a stack of six crispy, golden-brown chicken wings placed on a white plate. The wings are coated in a shiny, sticky sauce with a reddish-brown color. Small green pieces of chopped scallions are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh pop of color. The chicken wings are arranged in a pyramid shape with three wings on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on top, highlighting the crunchy texture and uneven surface. The background is blurred with warm, soft lights and a white marbled surface underneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your oven and workspace

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this ready upfront means you can focus on coating the tenders without a last-minute scramble.

Step 2: Whip up the creamy ranch-parmesan mixture

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, fragrant mixture that smells amazing. This is what coats your tenders and locks in all that juiciness.

Step 3: Coat each tender generously

Take each chicken tender and dunk it into the mayo mixture, making sure it’s coated completely. Then, dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well. I like to do this with clean hands to really feel the thickness of the coating—it helps ensure every bite is crispy.

Step 4: Bake until golden and cooked through

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. Pop them into the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know they're done when the coating turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Resist the urge to flip—let the oven do its magic!

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and a few tweaks made all the difference to me. These tips will help you nail those crispy, juicy chicken tenders every time — no stress, just delicious results.

Consistent Crumb Size: Crushing the Ritz crackers too finely can create a dust that doesn’t crisp as well, so I pulse them just a few times to keep some chunkiness for better texture.
Don’t Skip the Press: Press the cracker coating firmly onto the mayo-layered chicken to avoid crumbs falling off during baking.
Check Your Oven Temp: Oven temperatures can vary — using an oven thermometer ensures your tenders bake evenly without drying out.
Rest Before Serving: Let the tenders rest 3-5 minutes after baking so juices redistribute and the coating sets perfectly crisp.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the whole dish without overpowering the ranchy goodness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides? Crunchy garden salads, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. For kid-friendly meals, crispy sweet potato fries or simple mac and cheese always pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces arranged in little bowls—think ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can even create a platter with colorful veggies, making it feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay tasty for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I freeze baked tenders on a sheet tray first so they don’t stick, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp again.

Reheating

I always reheat leftover tenders in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave to keep that crispy crust intact. About 10 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick. Microwaving tends to make the coating a bit soggy, and no one wants that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for this recipe?

Yes! You can use chicken breasts cut into strips, but chicken tenders are naturally more tender and cook quicker, so you'll want to adjust baking time accordingly to avoid drying out the breasts.

What can I substitute for Ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper. This gives you control over flavor and can cater to dietary restrictions.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

The Parmesan cheese in this recipe contributes to the crispy crust and flavor. To make it dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan and try using a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy note, though the texture may vary slightly.

How do I ensure the coating sticks well?

Make sure the chicken tenders are coated evenly with the mayo mixture, and then press the crushed crackers firmly onto the tenders to help the coating adhere before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it feels effortless but delivers maximum flavor and texture every time. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy and satisfying it is to make. Give this recipe a try, and soon it’ll be your go-to for that perfect, crispy chicken fix too!