What exactly are crack chicken tenders?

Crack chicken tenders are a dish loved for their addictive taste and crispy texture. They're chicken tenders coated in a seasoned breading. This makes them irresistibly crunchy, earning them the nickname "crack."

Can I make crack chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Air fryers are great for making crack chicken tenders. They give a crispy exterior with less oil. This makes them a healthier choice than deep-frying.

What are the best dipping sauces for crack chicken tenders?

Popular sauces include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, and spicy sriracha mayo. Pick a sauce that goes well with your tenders' seasoning. It should add more flavor.

How long can I store leftover crack chicken tenders?

You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best taste, reheat in an air fryer or oven.

Are crack chicken tenders healthy?

They're tasty but not healthy. They're high in calories and fat, mainly when deep-fried. But, you can make them healthier. Use lean chicken, bake or air fry, and use whole grain breadcrumbs.

Can I make crack chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What's the secret to getting extra crispy tenders?

For crispy tenders, use a double-dredging method. Coat in flour, then an egg wash, and lastly breadcrumbs. Make sure your coating is seasoned well. Cook at a high temperature for a crisp exterior.

Can I freeze crack chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. If freezing before, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Then, put them in a freezer bag. Cooked tenders can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

5 Crack Chicken Tenders Secrets for Ultimate Crispy Results

Name: Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy Copycat Cracker Barrel Style
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; Cooking spray or oil for frying

Description

These addictive crack chicken tenders feature a crispy Ritz cracker coating with ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Perfect copycat of Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken tenders with irresistible flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenders

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 packet Ranch seasoning mix

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Cooking spray or oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F or oven to 425°F

2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels

3. Mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl

4. Crush Ritz crackers and place in shallow dish

5. Coat each chicken tender in mayonnaise mixture, ensuring complete coverage

6. Roll coated tenders in crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to adhere

7. Place on air fryer basket or lined baking sheet

8. Cook 10-12 minutes in air fryer (flipping halfway) or 15-18 minutes in oven

9. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

10. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-coat the tenders by repeating the mayonnaise and cracker coating process

Can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for healthier option

Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days

Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes for best results

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 12
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tenders
Calories: 285
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg