The aroma of crispy, golden-brown Ritz Chicken Tenders wafts through the kitchen, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. Imagine biting into a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy chicken—it’s an experience worth savoring.
Growing up, my family had a knack for turning even the simplest meals into grand feasts, and these Ritz Chicken Tenders were no exception. We’d whip them up for movie nights or casual gatherings, and they always brought smiles and satisfied bellies. You can make them for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to impressing your friends at a potluck.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Ritz Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor is an irresistible blend of savory and crunchy that everyone loves
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, they look as good as they taste
- They’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite sides
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; ensure they’re evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Ritz Crackers: The star of the show! Crush these buttery delights to create a crispy coating that’s utterly addictive.
- Eggs: You’ll need two eggs to help the cracker crumbs adhere beautifully to the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting of flour helps create a barrier that keeps the chicken juicy while frying.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce: BBQ sauce or ranch dressing pairs perfectly; choose whatever suits your mood!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Tenders
Getting Started
First off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want those tenders sizzling hot and ready when they come out of the oven!
Prep Your Chicken
Next, take those boneless chicken breasts and slice them into tender-sized strips. Aim for about one-inch pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
Crush Those Crackers
Now grab your Ritz crackers and place them in a resealable bag. Crunch away with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs—this is where the magic happens!
Set Up Your Stations
In three separate bowls, set up your assembly line: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and finally the crushed Ritz crackers. This will streamline your process like a pro chef!
Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it in the flour mixture to coat lightly. Then plunge it into the egg wash before rolling it in those delicious cracker crumbs until well coated.
Bake It Up
Place each coated tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Final Touches
As you remove them from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. I recommend serving these beauties alongside your favorite dipping sauce for an explosion of flavor.
Enjoying Your Creation
Gather around the table with loved ones or dive into a plate solo while binge-watching your favorite show. Either way, these Ritz Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit!
You Must Know
- This delightful Ritz Chicken Tenders recipe not only delivers crunchy goodness but also simplifies your weeknight cooking
- The golden crust and juicy chicken make for a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have
- Perfect for family dinners or last-minute gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while you prepare the chicken tenders. Coat each tender in egg wash, then dredge in crushed Ritz crackers for that iconic crunch. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! Add your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano to the cracker crumbs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping the tenders in buffalo sauce before coating them for an extra kick or serve with a tangy honey mustard sauce on the side.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, pop them back in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture without losing any juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crunchy Ritz Chicken Tenders, ensure your oil is hot enough when frying to prevent sogginess
- Let the tenders rest briefly after baking to lock in moisture
- Experiment with different cracker brands for unique flavors
I remember the first time I made Ritz Chicken Tenders for my friends; they devoured them so fast that I barely got a taste! It was a hilarious night filled with laughter and crumbs everywhere.
FAQs:
What are Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders are delicious, crispy chicken strips coated in crushed Ritz crackers. These tenders offer a delightful crunch and unique flavor, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. The easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
How do I make Ritz Chicken Tenders crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy Ritz Chicken Tenders, ensure you thoroughly coat each chicken strip in the crushed Ritz cracker mixture. For added crunch, consider double-dipping: first in flour, then in egg wash, and finally in the crushed crackers. Baking or frying at the right temperature also contributes to achieving that golden-brown finish.
Can I prepare Ritz Chicken Tenders in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Ritz Chicken Tenders ahead of time. Once coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for later use. Just remember to adjust cooking times if cooking from frozen, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What dipping sauces go well with Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Popular choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even tangy buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. You can also create a homemade dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise with garlic powder and lemon juice for an extra flavorful option!
Conclusion for Ritz Chicken Tenders:
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a simple yet satisfying dish that brings joy to any table. With their crunchy coating and tender meat, they become a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The versatility of this recipe allows for easy customization with various sauces and sides. Remember to try making these tenders ahead of time for convenience without sacrificing flavor! Enjoy this delightful dish and make it part of your regular meal rotation!
Ritz Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring juicy chicken strips enveloped in a crispy coating made from buttery Ritz crackers. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends. With their golden brown exterior and tender inside, these tenders are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., BBQ or ranch)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Slice chicken breasts into one-inch strips.
- 3. Crush Ritz crackers in a resealable bag until fine.
- 4. Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Ritz crackers.
- 5. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally coat with the crushed crackers.
- 6. Place coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken strips in flour and egg before coating them in cracker crumbs. - Experiment by adding herbs like thyme or oregano to the cracker mixture for added flavor. - These tenders can be frozen before baking; just adjust cooking time if cooking from frozen.
