Irresistible Chicken Tenders with 5-Star Flavor

8 de July de 2025

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Chicken Tenders! Oh man, just saying it takes me back to being a kid, right? I remember getting so excited whenever my mom would make them – that crispy, golden coating, the juicy chicken inside… pure comfort food. I’ve been playing around with this recipe for years, trying to recreate that perfect bite. And trust me, this is it. My little twist? A buttery Ritz cracker crust mixed with savory ranch seasoning. The cheesy Parmesan just sends it over the top! The result is crispy, juicy, savory, and so, so good. These baked chicken tenders with Ritz crackers are seriously addictive. Ready to make some amazing Chicken Tenders?

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are ready in under 30 minutes! Seriously, from fridge to table in a flash.
That crispy, flavorful Ritz cracker crust is just *chef’s kiss*. It adds the perfect buttery crunch.
They’re a total crowd-pleaser! Even picky eaters will gobble up these homemade chicken tenders.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have.
Making these baked chicken strips won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to feed the family without spending a fortune.
Baking instead of frying makes these chicken tenders a healthier option without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

Ingredients for Chicken Tenders

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (provides a buttery, crispy coating that’s just *amazing*)
1 pound chicken tenders
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, cheesy flavor that’s irresistible – fresh is always best if you can swing it!)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise (acts as a binder to help those crumbs stick, plus adds moisture – Greek yogurt or sour cream works great too!)
1 packet of Ranch seasoning mix (for a savory, tangy flavor that everyone loves)

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Trust me, you don’t want these babies sticking!
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, get ready to make the magic sauce! Combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy – no one wants lumpy sauce!
Step 3: Now for the fun part: dipping! Take each chicken tender and dunk it into that glorious mayonnaise mixture. Make sure every inch is coated – we want maximum flavor and crispiness!
Step 4: Next, press each coated chicken tender into the crushed Ritz crackers. Really pack those crumbs on there, ensuring a generous coating on all sides. This is what gives you that incredible crunch!
Step 5: Place the coated chicken tenders onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer, not crowded. We want them to bake, not steam!
Step 6: Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The best way to check? Use a meat thermometer! You want that crust to be perfectly golden, and the chicken to be cooked through and juicy!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

Want to take your chicken tenders from good to AMAZING? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Tenders?

Broil them! For the last minute or two of cooking, switch your oven to broil. Watch closely to avoid burning, but this quick blast of high heat will give you an extra crispy, golden-brown crust.

Can I make Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken tenders ahead of time. Coat them in the Ritz cracker mixture, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Tenders?

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If the chicken tenders are too close together, they will steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy crust. Bake in batches if needed.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Tenders

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of these crispy, golden chicken tenders ready to go – now what? I always serve them hot, straight from the oven, with a whole array of dipping sauces. Ranch is a must, of course, but honey mustard and BBQ sauce are also family favorites. For a full meal, whip up some creamy mashed potatoes and some green beans – classic comfort food! Or, if you’re having a party, these **homemade chicken strips** make a killer appetizer. Sometimes, I even slice them up and toss them on top of a big salad for a little protein boost. Yum!

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind, these are just estimates, since brands and portion sizes can really change things up. So, per serving (estimated): Calories: Varies, Fat: Varies, Protein: Varies, Carbs: Varies, Fiber: Varies. Seriously though, these values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how big your servings are. I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information – you know, just to be sure!

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tenders

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store those chicken tenders in an airtight container – I swear by these glass ones – in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Pro tip: for extra crispiness, the air fryer is your best friend! Just a few minutes and they’re as good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tenders

Got questions about making the best chicken tenders ever? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, plus a few extra tips and tricks.

Are these Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

As written, no, because of the Ritz crackers. But don’t worry! You can easily make them gluten-free. Just use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers or try almond flour for the coating. It gives a nice nutty flavor!

Can I use almond flour instead of Ritz crackers? Absolutely! Almond flour works great as a 1:1 substitute. Just make sure to season it well.
What’s a good gluten-free dipping sauce? Most ranch dressings are gluten-free, but always double-check the label. Otherwise, try a simple honey mustard or a creamy avocado dip.

Can I use different seasonings for these Chicken Tenders?

Of course! The Ranch seasoning is my go-to, but feel free to experiment. Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning are both fantastic options for these baked chicken pieces!

How much seasoning should I use? Start with about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen seasoning blend per pound of chicken, and adjust to taste.
What if I don’t have Ranch seasoning? No problem! You can make your own Ranch seasoning by combining dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried buttermilk powder, salt, and pepper. There are tons of recipes online!

How do I keep the Chicken Tenders from drying out?

The key is not to overbake them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally, and pull them out of the oven as soon as they do. Nobody wants dry chicken strips!

Should I cover them while baking? Nope! Covering them will trap moisture and make the crust soggy. We want that crispy Ritz coating!
What temperature should the chicken be? Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken.

Variations of Chicken Tenders You Can Try

Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic recipe – now it’s time to get a little adventurous! Here are a few fun twists on these homemade chicken tenders to keep things interesting. I’m always experimenting, and these are some of my favorites!

Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Got a gluten sensitivity? No problem! Just swap out the regular Ritz crackers for gluten-free ones, or use almond flour for the coating. You won’t even notice the difference!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Want even *more* crispiness and to save a few minutes? Cook these babies in an air fryer! Just pop them in at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Seriously, the air fryer is a game-changer for these baked chicken strips!
Spicy Chicken Tenders: Feeling a little fiery? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick! Trust me, it’s seriously addictive.