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