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.
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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are juicy chicken strips coated in a flavorful mixture of creamy mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy crushed Ritz crackers, baked to golden perfection for a deliciously addictive meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Coating Mixture
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Breading
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and thoroughly coat it with the mayonnaise mixture. Then dredge each coated tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing firmly to ensure the cracker coating sticks well on all sides.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- You can substitute Ranch seasoning mix with your favorite herb and spice blend for a different flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make sure to bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces chicken tenders)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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