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 crunch paired with that creamy, tangy ranch flavor that just hits the spot every single time. This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those easy meals that turns simple chicken tenders into a crave-worthy dinner that everyone will keep asking for.

A pile of crispy golden brown fried pieces with a crunchy texture sits on a white plate, one piece opened to show white flaky inside. Small green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top of the fried pieces. Behind them are two small white metal cups filled with smooth creamy and dark reddish sauces. The background shows a soft blurred 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

Let me tell you, I won’t make chicken tenders any other way once you try this recipe. It’s quick, full of flavor, and that crunchy Ritz cracker coating with Parmesan and ranch seasoning is simply irresistible.

Super crispy coating: The crushed Ritz crackers bake up golden and crunchy without needing deep frying.
Easy pantry ingredients: You probably have ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and Ritz crackers already on hand.
Moist & juicy chicken: Mayo in the coating keeps the chicken tender and juicy while it bakes.
Versatile & kid-friendly: Everyone from picky eaters to grown-ups will enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a starring role, blending to create that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory. Here’s why I love them all together—and why you’ll want to keep these staples ready for this recipe (and lots more!).

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders neatly arranged, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing light green Ranch seasoning powder, a small white bowl with pale yellow garlic powder, a small white bowl with light beige onion powder, and a white ceramic dish 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: They cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps the coating stick, plus it gives a rich creaminess without overpowering flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor bonus and helps the crust get nicely golden.
Ranch seasoning mix: That signature blend of herbs and spices adds instant flavor magic without any extra measuring.
Garlic powder: A little extra depth and warmth that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes in the coating blend.
Crushed Ritz crackers: The secret to that ultra-crispy, buttery crunch without frying—plus, they brown beautifully in the oven.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your tastes — trust me, once you get comfy with the base, the possibilities are endless!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the ranch seasoning for a smoky chipotle version to give it a bit of a spicy kick — it’s incredible and adds a totally new flavor dimension.
Weight Watchers or Lighter Option: Use a light mayo and bake on a wire rack for extra crispiness without added oil.
Dipping Sauce Switch-Up: Try serving with a honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo instead of ranch for a fun twist.
Seasonal Add-Ins: Toss in some dried parsley or chopped fresh herbs for a burst of color and fresh flavor during spring and summer.

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

A pile of six crispy fried chicken pieces with a golden brown crunchy texture is stacked in a pyramid shape on a plain white plate. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over the top layer and scattered around the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. The background shows a soft, warm yellow light that is blurred, with the white marbled surface under the plate barely visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. I like parchment for easy cleanup and to keep my tenders from sticking. Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Coating

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, grated Parmesan, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined. This mixture is your flavor-packed sauce that will embrace every tender with deliciousness.

Step 3: Coat the Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge tenderly in the crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well to the chicken. Don’t be shy here—this step is what creates that memorable crispy crust!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated tenders on your prepared baking sheet in an even single layer. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tenders are cooked through and the coating turns a beautiful golden brown. I always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temp hits 165°F — safe and juicy every time.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things making these Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders over time—and these tips make a world of difference for perfect results in your kitchen too.

Don’t skip pressing the crumbs: Make sure you firmly press the crushed Ritz crackers onto each piece after dipping; it’ll help that coating stick and stay crispy.
Dry chicken tenders first: Wet chicken leads to soggy coating — a quick pat dry with paper towels preps your tenders perfectly.
Use an instant-read thermometer: To avoid over or undercooking, check the internal temp; 165°F means juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
Space the tenders apart: Crowding the pan will steam the crust instead of crisping it up—leave a bit of room for airflow.

How to Serve Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

ranch parmesan chicken tenders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley or chives right after baking. It adds a lovely pop of color and enhances that fresh, savory flavor. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon brightens up the richness beautifully too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy roasted potatoes or a light garden salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. For warmer nights, steamed green beans or corn on the cob balance the meal perfectly. And of course, a classic side of carrot sticks or celery with ranch dip is always a winner with the kids!

Creative Ways to Present

For family game night or casual entertaining, I serve these tenders on a big platter with mini dipping sauce bowls — ranch, honey mustard, and spicy mayo make a fun triple-decker sauce station. It turns dinner into a little party where everyone can customize their bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Put a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crispy-ish.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these tenders successfully by flash freezing on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month. When you want to reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge before crisping back up in the oven.

Reheating

To keep that crisp crust, I reheat the tenders in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, turning halfway. Avoid microwaving when you want crunch — it can turn the coating soggy pretty fast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking. Baking time might be a few minutes longer depending on thickness, so watch for that 165°F internal temperature.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written since Ritz crackers contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap crushed gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs that suit your diet. The flavor and texture may vary slightly but still delicious!

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if starting cold from the fridge.

What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?

Ranch and honey mustard are classic favorites that enhance the seasoning in the tenders. Spicy mayo or sriracha sauce add a nice zesty kick if you want a bit of heat. You can’t go wrong with any sauce you love!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but delicious enough to feel like a treat. I hope when you make it, it becomes one of those comfort food staples in your kitchen that everyone looks forward to—served with plenty of smiles and maybe a little extra ranch on the side.