Name: Crack Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 packet ranch seasoning (about 1 ounce); ½ cup salted butter, melted; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers), finely crushed; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Golden, crispy, and incredibly addictive, Crack Tenders live up to their name in every crunchy bite. These homemade chicken tenders have a perfectly seasoned crust that delivers flavor and texture in one go, making them a guaranteed crowd favorite. Whether you serve them as a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or even a party platter, these tenders disappear faster than you can fry the next batch.

What sets Crack Tenders apart is their rich, buttery coating and ultra-crunchy finish that holds up even after cooling down. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients to achieve that restaurant-level crispness—just a few pantry staples and a little kitchen love. Once you taste these, you may never go back to frozen nuggets again.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Tenders Recipe

You’ll love these Crack Tenders for their irresistible crunch and juicy interior. The buttermilk marinade ensures every bite is tender and flavorful, while the seasoned cracker coating delivers that signature salty-savory punch. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they’re even freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience. Plus, they cook up beautifully in both oil and air fryer settings.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Crack Tenders?

Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts sliced into strips work best for this recipe. Chicken tenders are naturally the perfect size and texture for quick cooking, but if you can’t find them, just cut boneless chicken breasts lengthwise into even-sized strips. Just be sure they’re uniform in size so they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Ingredients for the Crack Tenders Recipe

To get the flavor and crunch just right, Crack Tenders rely on a few key ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in texture or taste.

Chicken tenders are the main protein and should be trimmed and patted dry for best results.

Buttermilk acts as a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and gives the coating something to cling to.

Eggs help bind the cracker crumbs to the chicken and add richness.

Ranch seasoning adds herby, zesty flavor that enhances the cracker crust.

Salted butter gets melted and mixed with the crumbs for extra golden crunch and flavor.

Ritz crackers or similar buttery crackers are the magic behind the name—these get crushed into a fine crumb for that iconic crispy coating.

Paprika adds mild smoky flavor and color to the coating.

Garlic powder deepens the savory flavor profile of the chicken.

Black pepper adds a subtle heat and contrast to the buttery crust.

How to Make the Crack Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Cracker Coating

In a food processor or using a zip bag and rolling pin, crush the Ritz crackers until finely ground. Mix in the ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Melt the butter and stir it into the crumbs until evenly moistened.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess, then dip each tender into the egg, followed by the cracker mixture, pressing to coat well.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

To air fry, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Serving and Storing Crack Tenders

Crack Tenders are best served hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. This recipe yields around 4 servings, making it perfect for a small family dinner or sharing with guests.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. They also freeze beautifully. Just lay them on a sheet pan to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

What to Serve With Crack Tenders?

Mac and Cheese

Nothing beats the classic combo of cheesy mac and crispy chicken. The richness balances the saltiness of the tenders perfectly.

Coleslaw

The fresh crunch and tang of coleslaw give a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness.

Honey Butter Cornbread

Sweet, soft, and buttery cornbread is a great southern side that makes the meal extra comforting.

Baked Potato Wedges

Seasoned wedges with crispy edges make a hearty pairing for this finger-friendly dish.

Creamy Garlic Pasta

For a full-on indulgent meal, pair with a creamy garlic pasta that complements the crispy exterior.

Pickles or Pickle Chips

A tangy crunch of pickles offers a sharp contrast and resets your palate between bites.

Cucumber Salad

This cool, fresh side lightens up the plate while still adding texture.

Loaded Tater Tots

Crunch meets crunch! Add some melted cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream for a fun and filling side.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you can’t get enough easy chicken recipes, you might also love these savory meals:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again and again.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you bake or air fry? Add extra seasoning or dip them in something new?

I love hearing how these recipes become part of your weekly rotation. Got a question? Drop it below and let’s make the best crack tenders together.

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