The Juicy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy buttermilk chicken tenders promise a delightful crunch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this golden-brown delight.

Marinating meat in tangy buttermilk works like culinary magic, tenderizing each morsel while infusing rich flavor.

Succulent strips emerge from the kitchen looking irresistibly golden and perfectly seasoned.

Coated in a light, crispy breading, these chicken tenders deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Homemade comfort food doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to add this to your weekly dinner rotation and watch everyone smile.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean strips of chicken perfect for a crispy baked dish.
• Ritz Crackers: Classic buttery crackers that provide a crunchy coating for the chicken.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds moisture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty blend that adds a tangy and herbal taste to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that provide depth and savory notes.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy baking and clean-up.

Step-by-Step Crack Chicken Tenders Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the cooking environment is perfectly heated for your chicken tenders.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, well-integrated coating mixture.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and generously slather it with the creamy seasoned mixture.

Make sure every inch of the chicken is covered for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cracker Crunch Coating

Crush Ritz crackers into fine, delicate crumbs.

Roll each mayo-covered chicken tender in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere and create a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Carefully place each cracker-coated chicken tender on the sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Tips for Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders

• Crush Ritz crackers finely and evenly for a consistent, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to chicken tenders.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the mayo mixture and cracker crumbs stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
• Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains a crunchy texture.

Flavor Variations for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Cracker Tenders: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to mayo mixture for extra kick and zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Almond Crust Tenders: Substitute crushed crackers with finely ground almond flour for keto-friendly alternative with crispy coating.
• Greek Yogurt Herb Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add fresh chopped herbs like dill and parsley for lighter, tangier coating.

Pairing Suggestions for Crack Chicken Tenders

• The buttery notes of a chilled Chardonnay complement the rich, creamy texture of the Crack Chicken Tenders, balancing the crispy coating with its smooth white wine profile.
• A tangy, crunchy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the tenders, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire dish and adds a cool, crisp element.
• A homemade honey mustard sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick that enhances the Ranch and Parmesan flavors, creating a dynamic taste experience that elevates the chicken tenders.

Storage Tips for Crack Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Cook at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Ensure tenders are heated evenly and crispy without burning.

FAQs

• What are Ritz crackers best for in this recipe?

Ritz crackers provide a crispy, buttery coating that gives the chicken tenders a delicious crunch and golden exterior when baked.

• Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?

Yes, you can substitute with breadcrumbs, panko, or other similar crackers like saltines, but Ritz crackers offer the best flavor and texture for this recipe.

• Is Ranch seasoning necessary for the recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor that complements the chicken, but if you don’t have it, you can use dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives as an alternative.

Crack Chicken Tenders

• Blast Flavor Fast: Packed with zesty Ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese, these chicken tenders deliver bold taste in minutes without complicated prep.
• Kid-Approved Crowd Pleaser: Crispy Ritz cracker coating makes these tenders irresistibly crunchy, ensuring even picky eaters will gobble them up happily.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using parchment paper and simple mixing bowl technique means less washing and more enjoying, perfect for busy families seeking delicious shortcuts.
• Versatile Dinner Hero: Great for weeknight meals, game day snacks, or casual gatherings, these tenders transition seamlessly between different dining scenarios with zero stress.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy buttermilk chicken tenders deliver Southern comfort with golden, juicy perfection right from your kitchen. Seasoned breading and tangy buttermilk create an irresistible crunch you’ll crave for every casual meal or game day gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Coating and Binding:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 g) crushed Ritz crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare an oven-safe baking tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Create a creamy coating by whisking together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly enrobe each chicken tender with the zesty mayo mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Crush Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
5. Roll the mayo-coated chicken tenders in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
6. Carefully arrange the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between each piece.
7. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is crispy and bronzed.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and coating to set.

Notes

• Opt for full-fat mayonnaise to ensure maximum crispiness and rich flavor in your chicken tenders.
• For gluten-free version, swap Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a crunchy coating.
• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to help the mayo mixture and cracker crumbs adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking the chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg