Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tender that practically melts in your mouth. The tantalizing aroma of Ritz crackers baking with seasoned chicken fills the kitchen, leaving you and anyone nearby drooling in anticipation. Ritz Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they are a delicious experience that can turn any evening into a special occasion.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Tenders
- How to Make Ritz Chicken Tenders
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Create the Cracker Coating
- Set Up Your Dipping Station
- Dip and Coat the Chicken
- Bake Until Golden Perfection
- Serve with Style
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Ritz Chicken Tenders?
- How do I make Ritz Chicken Tenders healthier?
- Can I freeze Ritz Chicken Tenders?
- What dipping sauces pair well with Ritz Chicken Tenders?
- Conclusion for Ritz Chicken Tenders :
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone fought over the last piece. The crunchiness of the Ritz coating combined with juicy chicken is enough to make you want to whip these up for every gathering. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends, Ritz Chicken Tenders are sure to impress and satisfy every palate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Ritz Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy nights
- With their irresistible crunchy texture and flavor-packed chicken, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds
- The bright golden color makes them visually appealing, drawing everyone to the table
- Versatile enough for dipping sauces or as part of a larger spread, they fit into any occasion seamlessly
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; adjust based on how many people you’re serving.
Ritz Crackers: Use about two sleeves; these will create that signature buttery crunch you crave.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the cracker crumbs to the chicken for maximum flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: A half-cup will provide a light coating that helps the egg adhere to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Sprinkle in about one teaspoon for an aromatic kick that elevates every bite.
Paprika: A teaspoon of paprika adds a subtle hint of smokiness and vibrant color to your tenders.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these basics enhance all the wonderful flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Tenders
Get ready to transform those simple ingredients into something extraordinary!
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. Grab your chicken breasts—make sure they’re thawed and ready for action!
Create the Cracker Coating
In a food processor or by hand, crush two sleeves of Ritz crackers until they resemble fine crumbs—think beach sand but tastier! Pour them into a shallow dish and set aside; this crunchy mixture is about to work its magic.
Set Up Your Dipping Station
In another shallow bowl, whisk together two eggs until frothy—this will help those cracker crumbs stick like glue! In yet another bowl, combine half a cup of flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip and Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken and first coat it lightly in flour mixture. Shake off any excess before dipping it into the egg wash. Finally, roll it in the crushed Ritz crackers until it’s completely covered—imagine giving your chicken a cozy blanket!
Bake Until Golden Perfection
Place each coated chicken tender onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart so they bake evenly. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through—the smell alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen.
Serve with Style
Once done baking, let them cool slightly before serving—you don’t want anyone burning their tongue on hot cheese! Serve these beauties alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. Get ready for compliments galore as everyone devours these flavorful delights!
You Must Know
- This delightful Ritz Chicken Tenders recipe not only brings joy to your taste buds but also simplifies your dinner routine
- The crispy texture and savory flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken. Dip each tender in egg, coat with crushed Ritz crackers, and then bake until golden brown. This method ensures the chicken cooks evenly and locks in moisture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! Add some cayenne pepper for heat or mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the crushed crackers for an extra cheesy crunch. You can also use gluten-free crackers if needed.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Ritz Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Ritz Chicken Tenders, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness
Sometimes when I whip up these Ritz Chicken Tenders, my friends declare me a culinary genius, which always makes my head swell a little—until I remind them I just followed a simple recipe!
FAQs :
What are Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a delicious and crispy chicken dish made with tender chicken strips coated in crushed Ritz crackers. The unique flavor of the crackers adds a buttery richness that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.
How do I make Ritz Chicken Tenders healthier?
To make Ritz Chicken Tenders healthier, consider using baked chicken instead of frying. You can also substitute whole-grain crackers for Ritz to increase fiber content. Additionally, use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat. Incorporating spices like paprika or garlic powder into the coating can enhance flavor without adding calories. Pairing the tenders with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables will create a balanced meal.
Can I freeze Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze Ritz Chicken Tenders! After cooking, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 400°F until they are heated through and crispy again. This makes for an easy meal option on busy days.
What dipping sauces pair well with Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Several dipping sauces pair wonderfully with Ritz Chicken Tenders. Classic choices include honey mustard, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce. For something different, try spicy sriracha mayo or tangy buffalo sauce for a kick of heat. You can also serve them with homemade tzatziki or sweet chili sauce for a refreshing twist. Experimenting with different sauces allows you to customize your dining experience.
Conclusion for Ritz Chicken Tenders :
Ritz Chicken Tenders provide an easy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken and crispy cracker coating creates a delightful texture and taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike. By exploring healthier alternatives and pairing them with delicious dipping sauces, you can elevate this simple recipe into a memorable meal. Enjoy these tenders as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a festive gathering—either way, they are sure to be a hit!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Ritz Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Ritz Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken strips with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these tenders are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (approximately 4 cups crushed)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the Ritz crackers in a food processor until fine; set aside.
- In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In another bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then coat in egg, and finally roll in crushed crackers until fully covered.
- Arrange coated chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
