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Take comfort food to new heights with these mouthwatering Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips. Smothered in a flavorful mix of Ranch seasonings and grated Parmesan, then hugged by crushed buttery Ritz crackers, these strips offer an amazing crunch that gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside. This dish turns simple chicken into something your family won't stop talking about – they'll definitely want more!
I've brought these strips to countless family events, and they always vanish faster than anything else on the table. My little girl, who normally won't eat anything but plain chicken, now asks for these "super crunchy strips" practically every other day.
Essential Ingredient Breakdown
- Ritz Crackers: Their buttery taste makes this dish shine. Crush them right before you need them for the freshest flavor
- Ranch Seasoning: Try to grab packets without fake ingredients for the tastiest results
- Chicken Tenders: Pick ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Make sure to dry them completely before you start coating them
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for way better flavor compared to the pre-shredded stuff
- Mayonnaise: Don't skimp with low-fat – regular mayo keeps the chicken super juicy while it bakes
Delightful Preparation Steps
- Baking Setup
- Put your coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment, making sure to leave room between each one for proper crisping.
- Cracker Application
- Gently push each piece into your cracker crumbs for even coverage. Don't press too hard – just enough to make the coating stick.
- Creating the Flavor Base
- Mix your mayo with the Ranch seasoning and Parmesan until it's smooth. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Coating Process
- Take one piece of chicken at a time, cover it in the mayo mix, and let extra drip off. This makes the perfect sticky base for your crackers.
- The Perfect Bake
- Watch your chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. You want the outside golden and crunchy while keeping the inside juicy.
- Preparation Phase
- Start by completely drying your chicken pieces with paper towels. This important step helps the coating stick properly and get really crispy.
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I learned everything about chicken strips from my Southern grandma. She always told me, "If the outside ain't crunchy enough, folks won't come back asking for more."
Creative Customizations
Don't be afraid to play around with different seasonings in your mayo mix. Sometimes I throw in a bit of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne when I want some heat to balance the Ranch flavor.
Scrumptious Dipping Options
These strips taste amazing on their own, but I can't help serving them with some tasty dips. My kids go crazy for a simple mix of honey mustard with a splash of Ranch stirred in.
Through many batches of these strips, I've learned not to rush things. Taking your time with each step really counts – from drying the chicken properly to carefully coating each piece. That's what makes these strips truly unforgettable.
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Common Questions
- → What's behind the name Crack Chicken Tenders?
- They're so deliciously addictive! This is thanks to the ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and buttery Ritz crackers that create the amazing crust.
- → Can I prep these earlier?
- You can get the coating ready ahead of time, but for the best crispy results, coat and bake them right before eating.
- → How do I get a great crunch?
- Spread them apart on your tray and broil for a minute or two at the end. To reheat leftovers, use an oven or air fryer.
- → Could I substitute chicken breasts here?
- Absolutely. Slice breasts into strips similar in size to tenders, then adjust the cook time slightly.
- → Any sauce ideas for dipping?
- Try ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or even a tangy buffalo sauce—any of these pair perfectly!