Name: Crispy Ranch Parmesan 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 something irresistibly delicious about the combination of creamy ranch, nutty Parmesan, and a crispy crunchy coating that makes this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe an absolute winner. The moment you bite into these golden tenders, you’ll understand why they become a fast favorite at our family table.

A white bowl filled with seven crispy fried chicken pieces stacked together, each coated in a golden-brown crunchy crumb with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. One piece is broken in half, showing the white tender inside. In the background, two small metal sauce containers hold a creamy light-colored dip and a reddish-brown sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. 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 Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about hitting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. I love how simple ingredients come together for something that tastes way more complicated than it really is, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an easy party appetizer.

Crunchy, flavorful coating: The Ritz cracker crust mixed with Parmesan and ranch seasoning creates a crispy, mouthwatering bite every time.
Quick & easy prep: It comes together in under 10 minutes, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day.
Juicy chicken inside: The mayo mixture locks in moisture, keeping the tenders tender and juicy through baking.
Kid- and crowd-friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for dinner, game day, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a unique role in delivering that crunchy, flavorful finish. Here's a quick look at the key players and why they matter.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders arranged neatly beside a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding pale beige ranch seasoning powder, another small white bowl containing light brown garlic powder, a small white bowl with off-white onion powder, and a simple white ceramic plate showcasing golden crushed Ritz crackers, 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 lean, perfect size for quick cooking and great with a crispy crust.
Mayonnaise: Acts as a binder for the coating and keeps the meat moist and juicy as it bakes.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty touch that enhances the flavor and crispiness of the crust.
Ranch seasoning mix: Brings that classic herby, tangy ranch flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Garlic powder: Deepens the flavor with a subtle aromatic kick that blends well with the ranch.
Onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other elements.
Crushed Ritz crackers: The secret to the superstar crispy texture—light, buttery, and easy to crush for a fine coating.

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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 of the reasons I keep coming back to this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can switch up the seasoning or even the coating if you want to tailor the flavors to your family's taste buds.

Spicy variation: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch mix for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without being overwhelming.
Gluten-free option: Swap crushed gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz for a gluten-conscious twist.
Herb boost: Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top after baking brings a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Make it saucy: Serve alongside ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce for extra fun and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

A stack of five crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces sits in the center of a white plate. Each piece is textured with a crunchy coating, and the edges look crinkly and well-fried. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top and around the chicken, adding a fresh pop of color. The dish is shown close-up with a warm, blurred background and the plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First up, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This keeps the tenders from sticking and helps with even baking. I like to line the pan because cleanup is a breeze afterward — always a win in my book!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and onion powder until you get a smooth, flavorful mixture. This blend will keep your chicken juicy and add that punch of flavor that makes people come back for seconds.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Grab each chicken tender and coat it generously in the mayo mixture, making sure every bit is covered. Next, press the tender into the crushed Ritz crackers thoroughly so the coating sticks well. This step is key — don’t be shy about pressing the crumbs in firmly; it ensures maximum crispiness!

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I like to check at 20 minutes because ovens vary, and you don’t want to dry out these beauties.

Top Tip

From making this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between a good batch and a truly great one.

Press your coating well: When dredging in the crackers, press firmly so the coating forms a nice thick crust that won't fall off during baking.
Don’t skip parchment paper: It helps crisp the coating evenly and saves you from scrubbing baked-on crumbs later.
Let tenders come to room temp: For more even cooking, take the chicken out of the fridge 10 minutes before baking.
Check internal temp: Use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness without under- or overcooking - 165°F is the sweet spot.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

ranch chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top the tenders with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions—just enough to add some color and a mild fresh flavor without overpowering the ranch and Parmesan. A little lemon wedge on the side is also a favorite around here for a citrusy zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy baked sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. The sweetness of the fries complements the savory tenders perfectly, and a crunchy slaw adds a refreshing counterpoint. For something cozy, creamy mashed potatoes work fantastically too.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve also served these tenders wrapped in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing for quick chicken wraps at kid’s parties. Another hit has been stacking them on a platter surrounded by colorful veggies and dipping sauces—perfect for game day finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tenders store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let them cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess, and reheating in the oven helps bring back that signature crisp.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing these tenders after baking. Just cool them fully, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, pop them back in the oven straight from the freezer for best crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, I always recommend the oven or air fryer to keep the coating crispy—about 10 minutes at 350°F works great. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy, which is the last thing you want!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely, thinly sliced chicken breast strips will work fine. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts can be thicker. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to add that cheesy flavor without dairy. It won’t provide the same melty texture but will keep the flavor profile close.

Can I make this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your Ranch seasoning mix is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

How can I make these chicken tenders crispier?

For extra crispiness, try baking on a wire rack set over your baking sheet to allow air circulation around the tenders. Also, press the cracker coating firmly onto the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan during baking. A brief broil at the end can help add extra crunch, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for those times when I want something comforting, flavor-packed, and simple to make. I love sharing it with friends because it’s such an easy crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do and that they bring a little extra crispy joy to your table!