When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s crispy, golden-brown Ritz chicken tenders that practically melt in your mouth. Picture biting into these tender morsels, the crunch of the Ritz cracker coating contrasting beautifully with the juicy chicken inside. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a piece before dinner!
I remember the first time I made these gems for my family; it was a chaotic weeknight. Everyone was hangry and convinced they could survive on cereal alone. But as soon as those Ritz chicken tenders hit the table, all chaos melted away. Laughter erupted over who could eat the most, and my heart swelled with joy seeing everyone enjoy this simple yet delectable dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Ritz chicken tenders are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor is out of this world—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Their golden appearance makes them irresistible for both kids and adults alike
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with various dips or sides!
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 pounds works well; ensure they’re fresh for maximum juiciness.
Ritz Crackers: Crush these until fine; they’re the secret to that irresistible crunchy coating!
Eggs: You’ll need about two large eggs for binding everything together perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: A cup is ideal to create a light dusting that helps the coating stick.
Garlic Powder: A teaspoon adds amazing flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
For seasoning:
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings—about a teaspoon each enhances all flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Tenders
Prepping Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out your boneless chicken breasts on a cutting board and trim any excess fat. You want those beauties looking pristine.
Crush Those Crackers
Grab a zip-top bag and toss in your Ritz crackers. Channel your inner child and smash them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs—this will be your magic coating!
Prepare Your Dredging Stations
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; another with beaten eggs; and the last filled with crushed Ritz crackers. This assembly line approach makes coating easier.
Coat That Chicken
Take each chicken breast, first dipping it into the seasoned flour to add flavor and texture. Next, dunk it into the egg wash before finally rolling it in those crushed crackers until fully coated.
Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange your coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there’s space between each piece for optimal crispiness—no one likes soggy chicken!
Bake to Perfection
Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch or honey mustard work wonders—and watch as everyone devours these delightful bites!
Feel free to share stories or memories associated with this recipe because nothing connects us more than good food and laughter around the table!
You Must Know
- This Ritz Chicken Tenders recipe is not just about crunchy goodness; it simplifies meal prep
- Customize the flavors to suit your pantry, and watch as these tenders steal the show at any gathering
- Perfect for dipping, sharing, or devouring solo
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken tenders in a hot skillet until golden brown, then finish cooking in the oven for juicy perfection. While they bake, whip up your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad to complete your meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free options. Spice things up with a dash of cayenne or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Ritz Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crunchiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate crunch, crush the Ritz crackers finely and mix them with some Parmesan cheese for added flavor
- Always pat dry the chicken before coating it to ensure better adherence of crumbs
- Letting the coated tenders rest before cooking helps achieve an extra crispy crust
When I first made Ritz Chicken Tenders for a family gathering, my cousin declared them “life-changing.” I still chuckle thinking about how everyone fought over the last tender—an unexpected highlight of our dinner!
FAQs :
What are Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken strips with a crispy coating made from crushed Ritz crackers. This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. The buttery flavor of the Ritz crackers adds a delightful crunch that pairs well with the juicy chicken. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra touch of flavor.
How do I make Ritz Chicken Tenders crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy Ritz Chicken Tenders, ensure you crush the Ritz crackers finely and coat the chicken strips evenly. A helpful tip is to use buttermilk or an egg wash before dredging in the cracker crumbs, as this will help the coating adhere better. Additionally, baking at a high temperature or frying in hot oil can enhance the crispiness of your tenders. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking tray to allow proper heat circulation.
Can I make Ritz Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt Ritz Chicken Tenders to be gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers instead of regular Ritz crackers. Many brands offer gluten-free options that provide similar flavors and textures. Ensure that any other ingredients used in the recipe, such as flour or seasonings, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without dietary concerns.
What can I serve with Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various sides and dips. Consider serving them with classic accompaniments like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. For dips, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce complement the tenders beautifully. You can also elevate your meal by adding roasted vegetables or macaroni and cheese for a comforting experience.
Conclusion for Ritz Chicken Tenders :
Ritz Chicken Tenders offer a delightful combination of flavor and crunch that appeals to all ages. Their simple preparation makes them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. By using crushed Ritz crackers as a coating, you get an irresistible texture that enhances each bite of tender chicken. Don’t hesitate to customize your tenders with different dipping sauces or side dishes to create a memorable meal everyone will love!
Ritz Chicken Tenders
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a family favorite that brings comfort food to a whole new level! These crispy, golden-brown tenders are coated with crushed Ritz crackers, creating a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the juicy chicken inside. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, serve them with your favorite dips for an irresistible meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and set aside.
- In a zip-top bag, crush Ritz crackers until fine. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with crushed crackers.
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in eggs, then roll in crushed Ritz crackers until fully coated.
- Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For extra crunch, mix Parmesan cheese into the crushed Ritz crackers. - Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free options if necessary. - Customize flavors by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.
