Name: Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 tbsps water; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup Ritz crackers, finely crushed

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 44 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a chicken dish that combines crispy, creamy, and savory all in one bite, the Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe transforms simple chicken tenders into a crunchy, flavorful masterpiece that’s coated with a luscious ranch and parmesan mixture, then baked to golden perfection with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. It strikes the ideal balance of easy preparation and crave-worthy taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers where everyone wants seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of six ingredients placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth on the left side. At the top center, a white bowl holds several pale pink raw chicken pieces with a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Below it and slightly to the right, a small white bowl contains white flour with a powdery texture. Next to the flour, a small white bowl filled with shredded pale yellow cheese sits at the bottom center. To the left of the cheese, a white bowl contains creamy white mayonnaise with a smooth texture. Above the mayonnaise, a small black and white bowl holds a light brown powder, and below the cheese, a small white fluted bowl contains a light greenish-grey spice powder. A red packet of Ritz crackers is placed at the bottom left corner of the image. All items are arranged neatly with even spacing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To whip up this delicious Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a crucial role: from the tender chicken giving you that juicy base, to the crunchy crackers adding irresistible texture, and the rich ranch and parmesan mixture packing in bold flavor.

Chicken tenders (1 lb): Provides a tender, juicy base that cooks quickly and evenly.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Lightly dusts the chicken for better adhesion of the coating.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds creaminess and helps the seasoning stick beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Introduces a nutty, savory depth that elevates the flavor.
Water (3 tablespoons): Slightly thins the mayo mix for an even spread over the tenders.
Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings that quintessential tangy zest that complements the chicken perfectly.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and aromatic complexity.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory background notes for a rich taste.
Ritz crackers, finely crushed (1 cup): Creates a buttery, crunchy crust that’s simply irresistible when baked.

How to Make Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that golden, crispy exterior without drying out the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your tenders don’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Coating Components

Grab three shallow bowls to keep everything organized. In one, add the flour for dredging. In the second, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, water, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy — this mixture is where all the magic happens, offering moisture and flavor all at once. In your third bowl, have those finely crushed Ritz crackers ready to create that signature crunchy crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dunk it into the creamy mayo-ranch mixture until fully coated, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Finally, press the tender firmly into the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring an even, crispy coating that will bake up beautifully.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Lay your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so the heat circulates nicely around each piece. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result is crispy, tender tenders with unbeatable flavor.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. This Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe is best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauces ready to dip and devour.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe

Eleven pieces of raw, breaded chicken tenders with a rough, crumbly yellow-orange coating lay spread out on a white parchment paper-lined black baking tray, arranged in three rows; the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Grated Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika can also make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the tenders. Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries offer a colorful, tasty complement as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these tenders as part of a casual finger-food spread, or slice them up for a protein-packed salad topping. You could even stuff them into wraps or sliders with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining most of their crispy texture, especially if you reheat them properly.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked crack chicken tenders by laying them out on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, place your tenders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method restores the crunch more effectively than a microwave, which tends to leave them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips that resemble tenders and follow the same coating and baking process. Just keep in mind that cooking times might be slightly longer due to the thickness.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and Ritz crackers for gluten-free alternatives, like almond flour or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The flavor will still be fantastic with just a little tweak.

Can this Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe be made ahead of time?

You can prep the coating and the chicken tenders the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready, bake fresh to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor.

What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?

Classic ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all pair perfectly. Feel free to get creative and try your favorites!

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be firm and the juices clear when cut.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Baked Chicken Tenders with Ranch, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers) Recipe. It’s simple enough for even the busiest days yet delivers that crave-worthy, crispy, creamy flavor combo that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s become such a beloved favorite. Trust me, your weeknights just got a whole lot tastier!