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 about the combination of crispy coating, savory ranch spices, and sharp Parmesan that just hits the spot every time. This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is my go-to when I want an easy, flavorful meal that everyone loves. It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and comes together so quickly—you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.

A white plate holds a stack of golden brown fried chicken pieces with a crunchy, textured crust sprinkled with small green chopped herbs. One piece on top is broken open to show the white tender meat inside. Behind the stack, there are two small white metal cups filled with creamy yellow and red dipping sauces. The plate sits 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

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my kitchen. What I really adore about it is how it combines simple pantry staples into something that tastes much more special than the effort it takes.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Incredibly Crispy: The crushed Ritz crackers pack in a golden crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Flavor-Packed: That ranch seasoning and Parmesan combo amps up the taste without any fuss.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Hands down, these tenders are loved by kids and adults alike—great for family dinners or parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a simple but essential role here—bringing together creaminess, tang, crunch, and bold flavor. When shopping, look for freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture, and don’t underestimate the power of crushed Ritz crackers for that extra buttery crisp.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing ranch seasoning mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl holding garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, and a small white ceramic bowl piled with crushed Ritz crackers, 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: Tender and quick-cooking, these are my favorite cut for chicken strips—juicy and perfect for dipping.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the glue here and adds moisture so the coating sticks well.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ranch seasoning.
Ranch seasoning mix: The star seasoning that brings classic ranch flavor to the crust.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and mild heat without overpowering the mix.
Onion powder: Complements the garlic with subtle savory notes.
Ritz crackers, crushed: The secret to that irresistible crunchy, buttery coating.

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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 like to keep this recipe classic, but you can totally play with it to suit your tastes or pantry. I’ve found that little twists make this recipe fun and just as delicious.

Variation: One time, I mixed in a little smoked paprika and cayenne with the ranch mix for a smoky heat that was a total crowd-pleaser.
Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, swap mayo with avocado mayo and Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative; it still crisps up nicely.
Seasonal swaps: Try swapping crushed crackers with panko or gluten-free crumbs for texture differences.
Spice it up: A dash of chili powder or cumin adds an unexpected warmth that’s great for adventurous palates.

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

A white plate holds a stack of six pieces of crispy fried chicken tenders layered unevenly, showing a golden brown crunchy texture. The chicken is topped and sprinkled lightly with small, bright green chopped spring onions. The background is blurred with warm yellow and white bokeh lights, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the flavorful coating

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This combo packs loads of flavor and helps the crispy coating stick perfectly onto the chicken.

Step 2: Coat your chicken tenders

Next, dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure every inch is covered. Then dredge it into the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to form a tight, even crust. The key here is to get a good crust so it stays crispy after baking.

Step 3: Bake to golden perfection

Place the coated tenders on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Pop them in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. The tenders will be juicy inside with that satisfying crunch on the outside.

Top Tip

When I first made this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe, I noticed the coating would sometimes fall off while baking. Over time, I learned a few simple tricks that make all the difference in getting that perfect crunchy crust every time.

Use mayonnaise, not an egg wash: Mayo's fat content helps the crumbs stick better and adds moisture.
Press the crumbs firmly: Don't just sprinkle crumbs on—gently press them to the chicken for a tighter bite.
Let the coated tenders rest a bit before baking: I usually give them 5 minutes to set on the tray—it helps the crust adhere.
Baking sheet choice matters: Using parchment paper or greasing the sheet lightly prevents sticking and tearing of the crust when you flip or remove them.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these chicken tenders with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of ranch dressing to amp up the flavor even more.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad work beautifully. These tenders shine alongside crispy fries or even a fresh coleslaw for a perfect balance of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served these tenders on a platter with little bowls of assorted dipping sauces—honey mustard, chipotle mayo, and blue cheese—so guests can mix and match flavors. You can also skewer the tenders with veggies for a fun finger food idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that crunch, I separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked tenders successfully—just flash freeze them first on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat nicely without losing their crisp when handled right.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated oven (or toaster oven) at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. This restores that crispy exterior far better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?

Absolutely! While Ritz crackers give a buttery crunch, panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers also work well if you prefer. Just crush them finely and press firmly so the coating sticks.

Is it possible to bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes! This recipe is designed specifically for baking, so you get the crispy texture without the mess and extra oil from frying. Baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes gives the perfect golden crust.

Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken tenders and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and bake when you’re ready.

What can I serve with Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders?

They’re great with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or coleslaw. You can also serve them as finger food with dipping sauces for parties or game-day snacking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe never fails to impress me and my family. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting and festive all at once, plus it’s simple enough to make any night of the week. I hope you give it a try—it’s truly a crispy, flavorful game changer that I keep coming back to, and I think you will, too!