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Crispy & Juicy Crack Chicken

This Crispy & Juicy Crack Chicken is baked until golden with a creamy ranch-Parmesan coating and a crunchy cracker or breadcrumb crust. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Crispy Crack Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken, Parmesan Chicken, Ranch Chicken Tenders
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 455kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken tenders trimmed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated is best
  • 3 Tbsp water
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for the crunchy coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl.
  3. In the second bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, water, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  4. Add the finely crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
  5. Lightly coat each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip the floured chicken into the creamy mayonnaise mixture, coating it completely.
  7. Roll the coated chicken in the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks all over.
  8. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they cook evenly.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the chicken cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then serve warm with ranch, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the coating a better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese.
Crushed Ritz crackers make the coating richer and more buttery, while breadcrumbs give a simpler classic crunch.
Do not crowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between the tenders helps the coating crisp instead of steam.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 920mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 2mg