Description
Ready to discover your new favorite chicken dinner? These Crack Tenders are outrageously crispy, flavorful, and addictive in the best way possible. Juicy chicken is coated in a ranch-seasoned, cheesy breadcrumb crust that bakes to golden perfection—no deep frying needed. Ideal for a quick dinner, party snack, or a family-friendly weeknight favorite, this easy recipe is comfort food magic. If you’re looking for quick meals, healthy snacks, or flavorful food ideas, this one is a winner for all your easy dinner plans and beyond.
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
Instructions
1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, remaining ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Dip each marinated chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat fully in the cracker mixture.
4. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with dipping sauces of your choice.
Notes
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and ensure even crispiness.
If using an air fryer, reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes at 390°F, flipping once.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 2–3 tenders)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg