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 (1 ounce); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

There’s something downright satisfying about juicy chicken tenders with a perfectly crispy crust that bursts with flavor. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe with you—it’s simple, flavorful, and downright addictive, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

A white plate holds a stack of eight golden brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy, crunchy texture, each sprinkled with small green onion bits. One piece is broken open, showing tender white meat inside with a crunchy outer layer. Behind the plate, there are two small metal cups, one with a creamy yellow sauce and the other with a reddish-brown sauce, placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the crunchy texture and warm colors of the chicken. 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

I've tried plenty of chicken tender recipes, but this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe quickly became a favorite. The combo of ranch seasoning and parmesan with a crunchy cracker coating creates a texture and taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Effortless Prep: You only need about 10 minutes of hands-on time to get these ready—perfect for busy evenings.
Bold Flavor: The ranch seasoning brings a zesty punch without needing extra spices, while parmesan adds that irresistible umami kick.
Crunchy Coating: Crushed Ritz crackers create the crispiest outer crust that bakes beautifully without frying.
Family Friendly: Kids and grown-ups alike will love dipping these tenders in anything from ketchup to ranch dressing.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe blends simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to bring flavor and texture in harmony. The ranch mix and parmesan give seasoning depth, while mayonnaise helps the crumbs really stick and keeps the tenders moist.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright Ranch seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with light onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with crushed golden Ritz crackers, 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: The star of the dish—tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for coating.
Mayonnaise: Acts as a glue for the coating while adding moisture and subtle richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory flavor and helps create a crisp texture when baked.
Ranch seasoning mix: The key to that classic tangy, herby flavor that elevates this dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the complexity of seasoning without extra effort.
Crushed Ritz crackers: Perfect for that golden crunch; they bake crispy and slightly buttery.

📝

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 best parts about this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I've played around with different seasonings and coatings, and you can totally make it your own, whether that means turning up the heat or swapping ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mayo mixture for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the ranch.
Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour work well—just keep an eye on the baking time.
Extra Crunch: Mixing panko breadcrumbs with Ritz crackers gives an even crispier coating that some guests really enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayo layer livens things up if you prefer something with more heat.

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

A white plate holds a stack of golden brown fried chicken pieces with a crunchy texture. The pieces are arranged in a pyramid shape with crispy edges visible. Small, bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top and around the chicken, adding a fresh green color that contrasts with the golden fried coating. The background is softly blurred with warm light spots, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Coating Mixture

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Then, in a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend is the flavor-packed glue that keeps your coating intact and your chicken tender and tasty.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and generously coat it in the mayo mixture. Don't be shy here—make sure every nook and cranny is covered. Then dredge the coated tender in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing firmly so the crumbs stick well. This step is where your crispiness magic begins, so take your time to get an even, well-packed coating.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a bit so they crisp evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the coating turns a beautiful golden color and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to avoid drying out your tenders.

Top Tip

From personal experience, these tips really help nail the perfect Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe every time. I learned through trial and error that a few extra minutes of prep and careful baking make all the difference.

Mayonnaise as Binder: Using mayo rather than eggs creates a richer coating and helps the crumbs stick better without sogginess.
Press Crumbs Firmly: I press the crushed Ritz crackers firmly onto the chicken to make sure they don’t fall off during baking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Giving the tenders room on the baking sheet ensures maximum crispiness by allowing heat to circulate evenly.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid dry chicken—check for 165°F doneness without guessing.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

crispy chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top—adds a touch of freshness and color. A light squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish, especially if you're serving it with a creamy dip.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with crispy oven-baked fries or a simple mixed green salad to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also work beautifully here.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes I serve these as a party appetizer on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place parchment paper between layers and try to reheat carefully for maximum crispiness.

Freezing

I've had great success freezing these tenders by first flash freezing them on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. That way, they don't stick together and can be reheated directly from frozen without losing texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep that crispy crust intact—it just won’t be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders so they cook evenly. The baking time might be a few minutes longer depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for the coating. Be sure your ranch seasoning mix doesn’t contain gluten as well.

Can I air fry these chicken tenders instead of baking?

You can! Spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?

Classic ranch or honey mustard are natural fits, but I also love spicy mayo or a simple sriracha-ketchup blend to balance the richness with a kick. Try whatever you enjoy most!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that feel special but don’t require hours in the kitchen. Between the effortlessly bold flavors, glorious crunch, and quick prep, it’s become my go-to whenever I want something that pleases every palate without stress. Honestly, I hope you enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do!