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Crack Chicken Tenders

Oven-baked chicken tenders coated in a ranch-Parmesan mayo mixture, crusted with buttery Ritz crackers, and finished with melted cheddar and crispy bacon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated, not shredded
  • 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix 1 standard packet
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers about 1 sleeve, crushed to coarse crumbs
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Shallow dish for crumbs
  • Instant read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. For best results, set a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air to circulate under the tenders.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined into a thick, spreadable paste.
  3. Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have coarse crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish.
  4. Working one tender at a time, coat each piece completely in the mayo mixture, letting any excess drip off. Roll each coated tender in the cracker crumbs and press firmly on all sides to adhere. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. In the last 3 minutes of baking, scatter the shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon over the tops of the tenders. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble.
  7. Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crunch. Substitutions: Saltines or Cheez-Its can replace Ritz crackers. Plain Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter option. Make-ahead: The mayo coating can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Assembled unbaked tenders can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking.