Name: Crack Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons melted butter or cooking spray

Golden, crunchy, and utterly addictive, Crack Tenders are everything you want in a chicken tender—juicy on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside, and seasoned to savory perfection. These aren’t your average chicken strips; they pack a punch of bold flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re planning game day snacks, a fun family dinner, or an easy party appetizer, these tenders deliver major crowd-pleasing power.

What sets these Crack Tenders apart is the irresistible coating—a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs, spices, and just the right amount of cheese to give you that “can’t stop eating” factor. They’re easy to make, require no deep frying, and bake up beautifully with that signature crunch. It’s comfort food made simple.

What Makes Crack Tenders So Addictive?

The magic lies in the coating. A mix of crushed Ritz crackers and panko breadcrumbs creates a double crunch effect. Add in ranch seasoning and a touch of garlic powder, and you’ve got layers of flavor in every bite. Plus, the tenders stay juicy thanks to a quick buttermilk marinade that adds both moisture and tang.

Ingredients for the Crack Tenders

Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins make prep quick and ensure even cooking.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a slight tangy flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings a herby, savory punch that defines the “crack” flavor.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: Adds buttery crunch.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Keeps things extra crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and umami depth.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: Layers in flavor and a hint of warmth.
Eggs: Helps the coating stick to the tenders perfectly.
Cooking Spray or Melted Butter: Helps the crust brown in the oven without deep frying.

How To Make the Crack Tenders

Step 1: Marinate for Juiciness

Place your chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. This helps the chicken stay juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In one bowl, beat two eggs. In another, mix together crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, remaining ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. This is your crispy gold.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the tenders from the marinade and dip them into the egg mixture. Then press each tender into the cracker coating mixture until fully coated.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Fresh

Let the tenders rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve and Store Crack Tenders

Crack Tenders are best served hot out of the oven, with a side of creamy ranch or honey mustard for dipping. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain that crispy coating. Freezing? You can do that too! Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Crack Tenders?

Classic Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for rounding out a comfort food plate.

Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

The acidity and sweetness from the tomatoes balance the richness of the tenders.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries

For an ultra-satisfying crunch-on-crunch combo, these fries are a must.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup adds warmth and veggie goodness to your meal.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

A healthy, crunchy contrast to the tenders.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

The bold flavors pair beautifully with the savory tenders.

Easy Homemade Bread

Use it to make an epic Crack Tender sandwich.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Perfect if you’re turning this into a full family dinner night.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If these Crack Tenders have you hooked, you’ll want to try these irresistible chicken favorites next:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with rich sauce and bold flavor.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy, cheesy comfort bake.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti when you’re craving pasta meets protein.
Crispy Buttery Chicken Fried Chicken topped with creamy country gravy.
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for an oven-baked, restaurant-style experience.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with extra spice? Did you swap in gluten-free crackers? I love seeing how everyone makes these their own.

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