Introduction
There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden chicken tender—juicy on the inside and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a quick weeknight dinner, or even as part of a larger meal, these homemade chicken tenders are the answer to your cravings. What’s even better? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. With a coating made from mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers, these tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your chicken tenders crispy without frying, this recipe is the answer. By using mayonnaise as a base for the coating, you’ll achieve a beautifully crisp crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning mix adds depth of flavor, creating an irresistible savory profile that’s sure to have everyone reaching for seconds.
Here’s why you’ll love these chicken tenders:
- Crispy Texture: The crushed Ritz crackers create the perfect crunch that makes every bite satisfying.
- Full of Flavor: The blend of Parmesan and ranch seasoning ensures that these tenders are packed with flavor from the first bite to the last.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these tenders in the oven in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
- No Frying Required: These tenders are baked, so you can enjoy all the crispy goodness without the mess or excess oil from frying.
Ingredients 🍗
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your chicken tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders 🍗
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥄
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 🧂
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 tsp onion powder 🧅
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers 🍪
Necessary Tools 🛠️
Before you get started, gather these essential tools to make the process even easier:
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased ensures the tenders bake evenly.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine the mayo, cheese, and seasonings.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements help achieve the right flavor balance.
- Whisk or Spoon: To mix the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Tongs or Fork: For coating the chicken and placing it on the baking sheet.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked through and reaches the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
This chicken tenders recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own with these swaps and additions:
- Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Parmesan: You can substitute grated Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
- Ritz Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker will work, or even panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Ranch Seasoning: For a spicier version, try adding a packet of spicy ranch seasoning, or use taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these crispy chicken tenders:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything until smooth and well combined. The mayo provides a rich, creamy base, while the Parmesan and ranch seasoning add a burst of flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it thoroughly with the mayo mixture. Make sure the chicken is fully covered to get that perfect crisp once baked.
- Roll in Ritz Crackers: After coating the chicken in the mayo mixture, roll each piece in the crushed Ritz crackers. Press the crackers gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the tenders are baked to perfection, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries.
Pro Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Leave space between the tenders so they bake evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: If you want an extra crispy texture, you can coat the chicken tenders in the mayo mixture and then dip them in the crushed crackers a second time.
- Rest the Chicken: After baking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in their juices.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to serve them for a complete meal:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Alongside Sides: Pair your tenders with side dishes like coleslaw, crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
- On a Sandwich: For a fun twist, serve the tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch or mayo for a crispy chicken sandwich.
Storing and Reheating
Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken tenders to maintain their flavor and crispiness:
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the tenders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 22g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
- Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tenders in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
- Can I freeze the chicken tenders? Yes! Freeze the uncooked tenders after coating them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes.
- What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers? You can substitute Ritz crackers with any buttery cracker or even panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Can I make these chicken tenders in the air fryer? Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Conclusion
These crispy chicken tenders are the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, and they’re so easy to make! With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that the whole family will love. Whether you serve them as a snack, part of a dinner, or even as a fun party appetizer, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
