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; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed

There’s something so satisfying about biting into golden, crunchy chicken with a flavorful punch, isn’t there? This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe brings together a perfect crunchy coating with zesty ranch and nutty Parmesan, making for an irresistibly tasty meal you’ll want on repeat.

A white plate holds a stack of eight golden-brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy, textured crust sprinkled with small green chive bits. The top piece is cut to show the white, moist interior with flaky layers. In the background, two small white cups contain dipping sauces, one light yellow and the other reddish-brown. The setting has a white marbled texture surface, giving a clean and bright look. 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

I can’t get enough of how crunchy and flavorful these chicken tenders turn out. The mix of ranch seasoning and Parmesan packed inside a buttery cracker crust really makes them stand out. Plus, they’re super quick to whip up on a busy night!

Perfect Crunch: The crushed Ritz crackers create an unbeatable crispy coating that stays crunchy after baking.
Flavorful Blend: Combining ranch seasoning with Parmesan cheese adds tangy, savory layers that elevate plain chicken tenders.
Easy Prep: This recipe comes together fast with simple pantry ingredients—ideal for a weeknight meal or casual get-together.
Juicy & Tender: The mayo-based coating keeps the chicken moist inside while the exterior crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love that this recipe uses everyday ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each component plays a role in building that crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. Here’s what you need and why:

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing ranch seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl with garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, and a small white ceramic bowl with crushed golden 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 star player – tender, quick-cooking pieces that perfectly match the crispy coating.
Mayonnaise: Acts like a glue and moisture barrier, making sure the coating sticks well and the chicken stays juicy.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, savory depth and helps create a crunchy crust with a cheesy twist.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings that signature tangy, herby flavor that livens up the chicken beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic notes without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder: Boosts the savory flavor profile, balancing the garlic and ranch nicely.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: The secret to the crispy, buttery texture – they toast up golden and crisp in the oven.

📝

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 how flexible this recipe is — you can easily tweak the coating or spice level to your liking. Over time, I’ve played around with different seasoning blends and crust mixtures to keep things interesting.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap crushed plain potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers if I want a different texture or something lower in butter.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the ranch mix if you want a gentle kick that wakes up your palate.
Herb Boost: Mix chopped fresh parsley or chives into the coating for a fresh, green pop of flavor that brightens the dish.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute and a vegan mayonnaise to make this recipe friendly for those skipping dairy.

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

A white plate holds a stack of golden brown crispy fried chicken pieces arranged in a pyramid shape. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a slightly rough surface. Small, bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled evenly over the top and sides of the chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow and white light spots, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven & Prep Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Coating

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts, as this mixture will flavor and moisten the tenders perfectly.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the creamy mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dredge them in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well. This pressing step is crucial — it ensures an even and crispy crust in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space around each so they cook evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and cooked through to 165°F internally. I like to check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

Top Tip

This recipe shines when you pay attention to coating and baking. Here are some nuggets from my kitchen adventures that make a big difference.

Crush Crackers Evenly: Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to get fine crumbs, which stick better and form a crispier crust.
Don’t Skip Pressing: Press the coating onto the tenders firmly but gently – this keeps the crumbs attached during baking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid drying out the tenders, bake until the internal temperature hits 165°F exactly.
Let Rest Briefly: Once out of the oven, give the tenders a few minutes to settle — it helps keep them juicy inside.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

crispy ranch chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side is also great for squeezing some brightness over the crispy tenders while they’re still warm.

Side Dishes

Some favorites to pair with these tenders are a crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans. For a comforting combo, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these tenders on a platter with colorful dipping sauces—ranch dressing, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo all make great options. You can also skewer smaller pieces for fun chicken tender kebabs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last well for 3-4 days. To keep the coating somewhat crisp, I let the tenders cool completely before storing.

Freezing

These tenders freeze surprisingly well! I flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes to crisp them back up.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover tenders is in a hot oven or toaster oven. This refreshes the crispiness without drying them out. Just wrap in foil for the first few minutes, then uncover to crisp the crust again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Chicken breasts cut into strips work well. Just be sure to bake a bit longer to ensure they're cooked through, and keep an eye on the internal temperature.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?

You can substitute panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed plain potato chips. Each gives a slightly different texture and flavor, so pick your favorite!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so this recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

How do I make sure the coating doesn't fall off?

Press the coating firmly onto each tender when dredging, and don't skip the mayonnaise mixture as it acts like a glue. Letting the coated tenders rest a few minutes before baking can also help the crust adhere better.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something quick, comforting, and crave-worthy. It’s a little crunchy, a little cheesy, and full of flavor—all good things in one simple dish. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becomes a staple in your recipe lineup, too!