Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite – Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders! These crispy, flavorful tenders are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, delivering a juicy chicken center coated in a crunchy, cheesy ranch crust that will have everyone coming back for more.

When you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders are the answer. The simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients like mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Ranch seasoning mix creates a dish that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Whether you’re serving these tenders up for a quick family dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a picnic spread, Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of these crispy, cheesy chicken tenders that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners or parties
• Juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy ranch crust for a flavorful twist on classic comfort food
• Versatile recipe with options for ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences
• Make ahead and freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep or unexpected guests

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The juicy chicken coated in a crisp, cheesy ranch crust offers a delicious fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Despite the fancy-sounding dish, the simple preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a crowd-pleasing meal in a pinch.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a versatile option for family dinners or entertaining guests of all ages.
• Addictive Crunch: The crushed Ritz crackers provide a satisfying crunch to the tenders, making them a hit with texture lovers.
• Variety of Serving Options: Whether you enjoy them on their own, in a salad, sandwich, or as party finger food, these tenders offer versatility in serving that can cater to different occasions.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients like crackers, seasonings, or cheeses to suit your taste preferences or accommodate dietary restrictions, without compromising on flavor.
• Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The convenience of preparing these tenders ahead of time and freezing them for later use makes meal prep a breeze and allows for quick reheating for impromptu gatherings.
• Nostalgic Twist on Classic Comfort Food: The blend of creamy ranch and crispy coating gives a modern twist to traditional chicken tenders, evoking a sense of nostalgia while offering a bold and flavorful experience.
• Picky Eater Approved: Even picky eaters have been known to love these tenders, making them a go-to dish for pleasing everyone at the table.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a casual weeknight meal or a festive party snack, these crack chicken parmesan tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will become a regular favorite on your menu.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

Main

• 1 pound chicken tenders

Coating

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

For the best results with this Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders recipe, ensure each chicken tender is evenly coated in the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture for a flavorful and crispy crust. Pressing the tenders firmly into the crushed Ritz crackers will help create a crunchy coating that everyone will love. To save time, you can prepare the coated tenders in advance and refrigerate them, then bake them fresh right before serving for optimal texture.

If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, feel free to use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or any buttery cracker for a similar crunchy alternative. Experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo to find your favorite flavor combination. These tenders are versatile and can be served as a main dish, on a salad, in a sandwich, or as a delicious party appetizer that will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

Step 2: Combine Coating Mixture

Combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Coat Chicken Tenders

Coat each chicken tender evenly with the mayonnaise mixture by dipping.

Step 4: Dredge in Crackers

Coat each chicken tender with crushed Ritz crackers, making sure they are evenly covered.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Storage Tips

After preparing crack chicken Parmesan tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. To reheat the tenders and maintain their crispy exterior, use an oven or air fryer instead of microwaving. If you prefer, you can also enjoy them cold straight from the fridge as a snack.

To freeze the tenders for future consumption, allow them to cool completely after baking, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a zip bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake the frozen tenders at 350°F until they are hot and crispy, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, feel free to substitute with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or any buttery cracker for a similar crunchy texture. Press each coated tender firmly into the cracker crumbs to ensure all sides are well-covered before baking. This substitution will still provide a delicious crust for the chicken tenders.

In case you are out of ranch seasoning mix, you can create a homemade blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Adjust the seasonings to taste to mimic the tangy flavor of ranch. This homemade ranch seasoning mix will work well in providing a similar flavor profile to the original recipe. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor to your preference while still achieving that nostalgic taste.

For a slight variation in flavor, consider swapping Parmesan cheese with Romano cheese. While Romano cheese has a bolder taste compared to Parmesan, it can still lend a delicious cheesy element to the chicken tenders. This substitution allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences while maintaining the essence of the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders, consider turning them into sliders! Place a juicy tender on a small toasted bun with a dollop of ranch dressing, lettuce, and a slice of tomato. These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or a casual dinner with the family.

Another creative serving suggestion is to chop up the cooked tenders and toss them into a creamy pasta salad. Mix cooked pasta with diced veggies, a creamy dressing, and the chopped tenders for a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold. This pasta salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying lunch.

FAQs for Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to prepare similarly for even baking and texture.

What can I use as a crunchy alternative to Ritz crackers?

You can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or any buttery cracker as a crunchy alternative.

How should I coat the chicken tenders before baking?

Press each coated tender firmly into the cracker crumbs, covering all sides well before baking.

Can I prepare the coated tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate coated tenders up to a day ahead; bake just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary journey with these irresistible Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders, I hope your taste buds are tingling and your heart is full from sharing these delicious bites with loved ones. The magic of these tenders lies in their simplicity and ability to bring joy to any table, from family dinners to festive gatherings.

Remember, you can always get creative with this recipe by trying different coatings or dipping sauces to suit your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying these tenders hot out of the oven or cold from the fridge the next day, they never fail to impress. Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders are a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more, making them a staple in your recipe collection for years to come. Happy cooking and happy eating!

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Tenders Recipe

Crispy, cheesy, and addictive Crack Chicken Parmesan Tenders – a modern twist on classic comfort food that will become a new favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time25 min

Total Time35 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (8-10 chicken tenders)

Ingredients

Main

• 1 pound chicken tenders

Coating

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. Combine Coating Mixture: Combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Coat Chicken Tenders: Coat each chicken tender evenly with the mayonnaise mixture by dipping.
4. Dredge in Crackers: Coat each chicken tender with crushed Ritz crackers, making sure they are evenly covered.
5. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.