Description
Savor southern-style “Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders” with a golden, perfectly seasoned crunch that rivals deep-fried favorites. Irresistible homemade comfort awaits, promising a delightful meal you can enjoy without guilt or extra oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Base and Binding:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (100 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for crispy chicken tenders.
- Create a luxurious coating by whisking mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Thoroughly enrobe each chicken tender in the seasoned mayo mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the mayo-coated tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to achieve a uniform, crunchy exterior.
- Arrange the prepared tenders on a baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote consistent golden browning and guarantee the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking and consistent results.
- Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help the mixture adhere better and create a crispier texture.
- For gluten-free option, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds for same crunch.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium Ranch seasoning and unsalted crackers if watching salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg