Crispy Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders Your Family Will Love Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated with a savory blend of Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and crunchy crackers, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Substitute with Romano for a bolder taste)
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (Homemade mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used instead)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can substitute with fresh shallots)
• 2 cups Crushed Ritz Crackers (Can use crushed cornflakes or panko instead)
• 1 pound Chicken Tenders (Choose high-quality for the best flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Step 3: Coat each chicken tender in the mayonnaise mixture, then firmly press into the crushed Ritz crackers to cover completely.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Let the tenders cool slightly before serving to enjoy their crispy texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without sacrificing creaminess.
• Try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for different textures.
• If you prefer fresh flavors, swap garlic and onion powder with minced garlic and finely chopped shallots.
• Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the coating mixture gives a nice subtle heat.

Storage

Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through to retain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips or even boneless thighs. Adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers and ensure all seasoning mixes are gluten-free.

Crispy Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders Your Family Will Love Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

These Crispy Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders combine a crunchy Ritz cracker coating with a flavorful Parmesan and ranch seasoning mix, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a family-friendly dinner or party snack, these tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, delivering a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Coating Mixture

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Substitute with Romano for a bolder taste)
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (Homemade mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used instead)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Can substitute with fresh shallots)

Crust

• 2 cups Crushed Ritz Crackers (Can use crushed cornflakes or panko instead)

Protein

• 1 pound Chicken Tenders (Choose high-quality for the best flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides, then firmly press it into the crushed Ritz crackers to create a thick, crunchy crust.
4. Bake the Tenders: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the tenders to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving, so the crust sets and the tenders are easier to handle and enjoy.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer a bolder cheese flavor, use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
• Homemade ranch seasoning can be used instead of store-bought to control sodium and additives.
• Alternative coatings such as crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs will work well for different textures.
• Ensure chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Chicken Tenders, Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Crack Chicken, Baked Chicken Tenders, Ranch Seasoning, Family Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe