If you're looking for an irresistibly tasty chicken dish that's simple enough to put together any night of the week, this easy crack chicken recipe is just what you're looking for. All you have to do is follow 5 simple steps, and you'll end up with some crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in savory ranch, crunchy Ritz crackers, and creamy parmesan cheese. Trust me, after taking just one bite you'll know exactly why it's called crack chicken.
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Why I Love This Crack Chicken Recipe
I first stumbled upon this recipe at a friend's house during game night. When she brought out a platter of these crispy ranch chicken tenders, everyone instantly crowded around the table.
I knew immediately after I tasted them I had to get the recipe—it's honestly so, so addictive. I’ve made this easy crack chicken countless times since then, and it’s always a hit. My family asks for it weekly, and it's the first appetizer to disappear at every gathering!
Ingredients You'll Need For This Crack Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Tenders: 1 lb, fresh and trimmed
- All-purpose Flour: ½ cup
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (for creamy coating)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (freshly grated works best)
- Water: 3 tablespoons
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (dry seasoning mix)
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Ritz Crackers: 1 cup, finely crushed
How to Make Crack Chicken (5 Simple Steps)
Again, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make these crack chicken strips.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make Your Dipping Stations
In a shallow bowl, add your flour. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, water, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. In a third bowl, have your crushed Ritz crackers ready.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
First, dredge each chicken tender lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Then, fully coat each tender in the creamy mayo-ranch mixture.
Finally, press each tender into the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring an even coating all around.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Arrange your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the crack chicken tenders cool slightly, then serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders Every Time
- Ritz Crackers Substitute: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, substitute with saltine crackers, breadcrumbs, or Panko for a similar crunchy texture.
- Extra Crispy Texture: Spray tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking to enhance crispiness.
- Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a little extra ranch seasoning over the tenders right before baking for even more flavor.
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated parmesan will melt and crisp better than pre-shredded cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crack Chicken
Can I make this crack chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready.
Can I freeze crack chicken tenders?
Yes, this crack chicken recipe freezes beautifully. After breading (but before baking), place the tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5–7 extra minutes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Definitely. Just slice boneless chicken breasts into smaller, tender-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain the crispy coating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crack chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, warm them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This crack chicken recipe checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or the ultimate appetizer for your next gathering, these crispy ranch chicken tenders won’t disappoint.
Give it a try, and I guarantee your family will be requesting them on repeat! As always, if you give it a shot let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.
More Chicken Recipes to Try Next
- Chicken eggplant parmesan
- Breaded chicken without eggs
- Mustard fried chicken
- Crispy fried chicken
- Breaded chicken wings
- Homemade Church's Chicken
- Chicken roulade
- Chicken egg rolls
Crack Chicken Recipe (Easy 5-Step Recipe)
If you're looking for an irresistibly tasty chicken dish that's simple enough to put together any night of the week, this easy crack chicken recipe is just what you're looking for. All you have to do is follow 5 simple steps, and you'll end up with some crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in savory ranch, crunchy Ritz crackers, and creamy parmesan cheese. Trust me, after taking just one bite you'll know exactly why it's called crack chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsps water
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, finely crushed
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. In a shallow bowl, add your flour. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, water, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. In a third bowl, have your crushed Ritz crackers ready.
3. First, dredge each chicken tender lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Then, fully coat each tender in the creamy mayo-ranch mixture. Finally, press each tender into the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring an even coating all around.
4. Arrange your coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Let the chicken tenders cool slightly, then serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 999Total Fat: 63gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 46gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 2699mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 39g
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