Name: Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 ounce); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

There’s something so satisfying about biting into chicken tenders that are perfectly crispy, loaded with tangy ranch flavor and nutty Parmesan. This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe hits that spot every time—it’s quick, simple, and downright addictive, the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something special.

A pile of golden brown fried pieces with a crispy, crunchy texture sit in a white bowl. One piece is shown broken in half, revealing a white, tender inside. The fried pieces are sprinkled with small green onion slices. Behind the bowl, there are two small metal containers holding different dipping sauces, one light yellow and one dark red. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m hooked on this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe because it’s effortless and always turns out perfectly golden and flavorful. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want a comforting, crispy chicken dinner without the fuss of frying.

Easy prep: Just a few simple ingredients come together in minutes, saving you time in the kitchen.
Flavor-packed coating: The combo of ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and Ritz crackers makes every bite irresistible.
Gluten comfort: Using Ritz crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs adds a buttery crunch that’s hard to beat.
Bakes to crispy perfection: Oven-baked means less mess and easier cleanup, but all the crunch you want.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in bringing this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe to life. From creamy mayo helping the coating stick, to savory seasonings and that buttery crunch of Ritz crackers—each piece works in harmony.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders arranged neatly next to a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with pale Ranch seasoning powder, a small white bowl containing light beige garlic powder, a small white bowl with fine onion powder, and a small white ceramic bowl holding golden crushed Ritz crackers, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: The tender strips cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for a quick meal.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the glue to hold all those delicious seasonings and crumbs on the chicken, plus adds moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that really elevates the flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix: Brings that classic tangy ranch taste—it's the magic dust in this recipe.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Onion powder: Complements the garlic and ranch seasoning for a well-rounded taste.
Ritz crackers: Crushed into fine crumbs, they give a buttery, crisp crust that's something special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. It’s super flexible and welcomes all sorts of tweaks—feel free to play around.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up, and it still crisps up beautifully while adding a tangy twist.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the ranch mix for when I want a little heat.
Herb boost: Toss in some dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the coating for extra aroma and freshness.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz to keep the crunch and flavor safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of five crispy, golden-brown fried chicken wings arranged in a pyramid shape. Each piece has a rough, crunchy texture with a shiny, slightly sticky orange glaze covering the surface. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over the top and sides, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the chicken. The white plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, with a softly blurred background featuring warm yellow and orange lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help with cleanup. Getting the oven hot upfront means the chicken crisp up nicely without drying out.

Step 2: Mix the Ranch Parmesan Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until it’s smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture helps the crumbs stick to the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dredge it in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing the crumbs onto the surface so they really stick. This step ensures every bite is crispy and flavorful.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch them closely!

Top Tip

After cooking this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned little tweaks that really elevate the results. These tips saved me from soggy tenders and made the whole process smoother.

Even coating: Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the mayo mixture before the crumbs, so nothing falls off during baking.
Crush crackers finely: Use a rolling pin or food processor to get the Ritz crumbs fine enough to stick well and toast evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give tenders enough space on the baking sheet to crisp on all sides instead of steaming.
Check internal temp: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the tenders.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I truly love sprinkling a little freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up nicely, too. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of ranch dressing adds another layer of that signature flavor.

Side Dishes

I often serve these tenders alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance out the richness. For a comforting meal, mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw are winners. And let’s not forget the classic pairing: crispy fries or sweet potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

For kid’s parties or casual get-togethers, try serving the chicken tenders as sliders on small buns with lettuce and tomato. Or, line them up on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces for a fun appetizer board. I once layered these tenders on a salad bowl with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a light, colorful meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 3 days. Keeping them covered tightly helps the coating stay crisp-ish instead of soggy.

Freezing

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe freezes really well. I freeze the coated raw tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without losing the crisp, I use the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving can make the coating soft, so I avoid that when I want the original crunch back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! You can slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips, but be careful not to make them too thick so they cook evenly and stay juicy with the coating.

Is there a way to make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker or breadcrumb alternative. Just make sure they’re finely crushed to stick well to the mayo mixture.

Can I prepare the coating in advance?

You can mix the mayo, Parmesan, and seasonings ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Coat the chicken and bake fresh for best results.

How do I get the crispiest coating without frying?

Baking at a high temperature on a parchment-lined sheet and spacing the tenders out is key. If you want extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—it’s just that satisfying combination of easy prep and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your go-to for crispy, flavorful chicken that everyone loves.