The aroma of Ritz Chicken Tenders wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine biting into golden-brown tenders, their crunchy exterior giving way to juicy chicken, seasoned just right. It’s a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds and leaves you wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Picture family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone fights over the last tender. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, Ritz Chicken Tenders bring people together with their irresistible charm and mouthwatering taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip these up even on a busy weeknight
- Each tender bursts with savory flavor, thanks to the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers
- Their golden appearance makes them visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with any dipping sauce you fancy!
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into strips for easy handling and quick cooking.
Ritz Crackers: The star of the show! Crush these buttery crackers to create a deliciously crunchy coating.
Eggs: Two large eggs work as a binding agent, helping the cracker crust adhere perfectly to the chicken.
All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting of flour helps the egg and cracker coating stick better for that ultimate crunch.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of your tenders without overpowering them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Tenders
Getting Started: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your tenders bake evenly while achieving that delightful golden color.
Preparing the Chicken: While your oven warms up, grab those boneless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips about one inch thick. This size helps them cook through quickly while staying juicy inside.
Setting Up Your Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow dishes: one for flour mixed with salt and pepper, another for beaten eggs, and the last for crushed Ritz crackers. Set this up like an assembly line—easy peasy!
Coating the Chicken: Start by dredging each chicken strip in flour until lightly coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture before rolling it in crushed Ritz crackers until fully covered. Press gently to ensure those crumbs stick!
Baking Time: Place each coated tender on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should look golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Once out of the oven, let your tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch or honey mustard are perfect options!
And there you have it! A delicious batch of Ritz Chicken Tenders that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every crispy bite!
You Must Know
- This Ritz Chicken Tenders recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a crispy, flavorful feast
- With a crunchy exterior and juicy chicken, this dish is a hit for kids and adults alike
- Perfect for dipping, it brings joy to any meal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your chicken tenders. Coat them in a zesty marinade, then roll them in crushed Ritz crackers for that irresistible crunch. While they bake to golden perfection, whip up a quick side salad or some veggies for balance.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to jazz up your Ritz Chicken Tenders with spices like paprika or garlic powder. Swap out the chicken for fish or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in some herbs or cheese into the cracker coating for an extra flavor punch!
Storing & Reheating
Store 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 until warmed through and crispy again—no soggy tenders on my watch!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh chicken for tender bites and maximum juiciness; frozen can lead to dryness
- Crushing the Ritz crackers finely ensures an even coating that sticks better during cooking
- For added crunch, double coat your tenders with egg before rolling them in crackers
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about that one dinner when my friend declared these Ritz Chicken Tenders “the best thing since sliced bread.” Who knew a simple recipe could earn such high praise?
FAQs :
What are Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in crushed Ritz crackers. This recipe combines the crunchiness of the crackers with juicy chicken, resulting in a flavorful meal that appeals to both kids and adults. You can serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at parties.
How do I make Ritz Chicken Tenders crispy?
To achieve crispy Ritz Chicken Tenders, ensure that you fully coat each chicken strip with crushed Ritz crackers. You can also double-dip the chicken in egg and cracker crumbs for extra crunch. Baking them at a high temperature helps to crisp up the coating while keeping the chicken tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate around each piece for optimal crispiness.
Can I use other types of crackers for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other types of crackers if you prefer. Some popular alternatives include buttery round crackers, saltines, or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. However, using Ritz crackers gives the tenders their unique flavor and crunch, so consider experimenting to find your favorite combination.
What dipping sauces pair well with Ritz Chicken Tenders?
Ritz Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Some favorites include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. You can also create a homemade sauce by mixing yogurt with herbs and spices for a healthier option. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion for Ritz Chicken Tenders :
Ritz Chicken Tenders are an easy and delightful dish that everyone will love. With their crunchy coating and juicy interior, they make an ideal meal or snack option. Whether served plain or with your favorite dipping sauces, these tenders will surely impress your family and friends. Remember to experiment with different flavors and sides to personalize your dish even further! Enjoy making these delicious chicken tenders at home today!

Ritz Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (based on about 16 tenders) 1x
Description
Ritz Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious family favorite that combines juicy chicken strips with a crunchy Ritz cracker coating. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these tenders make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering, these tenders are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into strips
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut chicken breasts into strips about one inch thick.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg, then roll in crushed crackers until fully coated.
- Place the coated strips on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - For extra crunch, double coat the tenders by repeating the egg and cracker steps. - Feel free to add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the cracker mixture for additional flavor.