Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Dinner Recipe 2025

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken, creamy cheesy flavor, and a satisfyingly crispy coating. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, a game-day snack, or a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.

They’re:

Incredibly easy to make with pantry staples.
Perfectly crispy without needing a deep fryer.
Family-friendly and great for kids.
Easily customizable for different diets.

What Are Crack Chicken Tenders?

“Crack Chicken” has become a popular flavor profile thanks to its irresistible combination of cheese, creamy dressing (or mayonnaise), crispy texture, and often a touch of bacon or ranch seasoning. In this case, we’ve adapted those flavors to create oven-baked chicken tenders that are crunchy on the outside and bursting with cheesy goodness inside.

The term “crack” in the name refers to how addictive these tenders are—once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients you probably already have at home:

For the Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

Cooked bacon bits
Ranch seasoning
Hot sauce or buffalo seasoning
Smoked paprika for deeper flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the crispiest, most flavorful chicken tenders ever:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

Mayonnaise
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Paprika

Stir everything together to create a thick cheesy paste.

3. Crush the Crackers

Place your Ritz crackers into a zip-lock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a food processor until you get fine crumbs. Pour them into a shallow bowl.

4. Coat the Chicken

Take each chicken tender:

First, coat it thoroughly in the cheese-mayo mixture.
Then, roll it in the crushed crackers to evenly cover all sides.

Place coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake

Bake the tenders for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Optional Broil

For extra crispiness, broil the tenders during the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making Them Extra Crispy

Use parchment paper to avoid sogginess from moisture buildup.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; space the tenders so hot air can circulate.
Crush crackers finely for a smoother, more even crust.
Broil at the end of baking for that final crispy finish.
Pat chicken dry before coating to help the mixture stick better.

Serving Ideas

These Crack Chicken Tenders are versatile and perfect for all kinds of meals:

🍽️ Classic Dinner Plate

Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and gravy for a full meal.

🥗 Light and Healthy

Serve on a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

🥪 Sandwich Style

Place in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayo or ranch.

🍟 Snack Platter

Serve alongside fries, onion rings, and dipping sauces for a party-friendly platter.

🧒 Kid-Friendly Lunch

Add to a lunchbox with carrot sticks and ranch dressing for a wholesome meal.

Pairing Suggestions

Best Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing
Honey Mustard
Spicy Aioli
BBQ Sauce
Buffalo Ranch

Side Dish Ideas

Baked Mac and Cheese
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Caesar Salad
Corn on the Cob
Garlic Bread

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Fridge: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked tenders for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best crispiness.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—tenders may lose crisp.

Healthier Alternatives

Want a lighter version? No problem!

Swap These:

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Whole wheat crackers instead of Ritz.
Low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Cook tenders for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spray lightly with oil for crispier results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free crackers and double-check your spices and cheese labels.

Are these spicy?

Not inherently. Add cayenne, buffalo sauce, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the tenders and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

Try Panko breadcrumbs, cornflakes, or club crackers instead.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs cut into strips work well too.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Honey Mustard Chicken Bites
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. With their crunchy coating, cheesy interior, and family-friendly appeal, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep, they’re satisfying, customizable, and downright delicious.

Give this recipe a try today and experience the magic for yourself—your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you!

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