Crispy Ranch Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders – Easy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing!
When comfort food meets simplicity, you get these irresistible Crispy Ranch Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders—golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory ranch and Parmesan flavor in every bite. This is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table fast, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or hosting a game-day gathering.
🍽️ Why This Recipe Works
These baked chicken tenders are a dream:
- Crispy without deep frying – Thanks to a crunchy Ritz cracker coating.
- Flavor-packed – Ranch seasoning, Parmesan, garlic, and onion powder make them incredibly savory.
- Kid- and adult-approved – Loved by all ages, no fancy ingredients needed.
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. chicken tenders – boneless and skinless
- ½ cup mayonnaise – adds moisture and helps coating stick
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – for a rich, cheesy flavor
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix – for that tangy, herby punch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed – for a buttery, crispy coating
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Coating Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Mayonnaise
- Parmesan cheese
- Ranch seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Stir until you get a creamy, flavorful coating.
3. Crush the Crackers
Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands. You want small crumbs, but not fine powder—some texture helps the crunch.
4. Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and coat it first in the mayo mixture. Make sure it’s fully covered. Then dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.
5. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
6. Cool and Serve
Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the coating set and keeps fingers from burning!
🧄 Serving Ideas
These chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but even better with:
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.
- Sides: Fries, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, or a fresh garden salad.
- Sandwich-style: Slice them up and stuff into wraps, sliders, or chicken tender subs.
👨🍳 Pro Tips
- No mayo fan? Try Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly tangier twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mayo mix.
- Need gluten-free? Use GF crackers instead of Ritz.
- Want it crispier? Bake on a wire rack placed over the sheet pan to let air circulate under the tenders.
📸 Great for Sharing
Crispy edges, cheesy coating, and juicy chicken—these tenders look as good as they taste. Perfect for Instagram, Pinterest boards, or family food chats.
📌 Save This Recipe
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a hungry crowd, these Crispy Ranch Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed win. Save it, print it, and make it part of your go-to dinner rotation.