Begin by crushing the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs they should be small enough to create a uniform coating but not so fine that they become powder. Mix them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, savory coating mixture. The secret lies in using room temperature mayonnaise, which helps create a thick, even coating that the crumb mixture will stick to perfectly.
Preparing the Chicken
Pat each chicken tender completely dry with paper towels this is crucial for the coating to adhere properly. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Mix the mayonnaise with Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until completely smooth. This seasoned mayo mixture will not only help the coating stick but also keeps the chicken incredibly moist during baking.
The Coating Process
Using tongs, dip each tender into the seasoned mayo mixture, ensuring every surface is completely covered. Let any excess drip off before rolling in the Ritz Parmesan mixture. Press the crumbs gently but firmly onto all sides of the chicken this helps create that incredible crispy crust we’re looking for.
Perfecting the Bake
Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment lined baking sheet, giving them plenty of space overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for exactly 20 25 minutes, until the coating is deeply golden and the chicken is just cooked through.
