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.
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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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
This Easy Crack Chicken Tenders recipe features juicy chicken tenders coated in a crispy and flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed Ritz crackers. Baked to golden perfection, these tenders make a delicious and simple meal that's perfect for a quick dinner or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Coating Mixture
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, broil for the last 1-2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
- Substitute the Ranch seasoning packet with homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste and to control salt content.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten free.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as honey mustard or BBQ sauce for added flavor.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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