Crispy ritz cracker chicken tenders made easy. Halal friendly, baked or air fryer option, juicy inside and crunchy outside.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders
There is something deeply comforting about crispy chicken tenders that crackle when you bite into them. The sound, the smell, and the soft chicken inside all come together in a way that feels like home. Ritz cracker chicken tenders take that comfort one step further by using buttery crackers instead of plain breadcrumbs. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a golden crust that feels rich but not heavy.
This recipe was created with real kitchens in mind. No fancy tools, no hard words, and no ingredients that raise halal concerns. It is the kind of recipe that fits busy weekdays, relaxed weekends, and family dinners where everyone wants seconds. At Make Me Eat, recipes like this matter because they bring people to the table without stress.
These chicken tenders can be baked, pan cooked, or even made as ritz cracker chicken tenders air fryer style. The coating stays crisp, the chicken stays moist, and the flavor is gentle enough for kids but good enough for adults. Some people call similar versions crack chicken tenders ritz crackers or crack chicken tenders with ritz crackers because they are hard to stop eating, but this recipe keeps everything clean, simple, and halal.
Before cooking, it is important to understand one thing.
Meaning of Halal: Halal means food that is allowed according to Islamic law. It must be free from pork, alcohol, and any harmful ingredients, and the chicken must be halal sourced.
This recipe follows those rules fully.
Why Ritz Crackers Work So Well for Chicken Tenders
Ritz crackers are light, buttery, and slightly salty. When crushed, they coat chicken better than dry breadcrumbs. They cling easily, brown evenly, and give a rich taste without needing extra seasoning.
Many home cooks ask if crackers can replace breadcrumbs. The answer is yes, and in this recipe, they do even better. That is why ritz cracker chicken tenders are so popular in home kitchens.
The crackers also make this dish flexible. You can bake them, shallow fry them, or use an air fryer. The texture stays crisp in all methods if done correctly.
Tools Used for Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders
- Mixing bowls (for egg mixture and cracker crumbs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zip lock bag or rolling pin (to crush Ritz crackers)
- Whisk or fork (for eggs)
- Baking tray or sheet pan
- Parchment paper or baking brush
- Air fryer (only if making ritz cracker chicken tenders air fryer)
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Oven or air fryer
- Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders Air Fryer or Easy Baked
4
servings20
minutes20
minutes420
kcal40
minutesCrispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in buttery Ritz crackers. Easy to bake or air fry and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken
1 kg chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
Make sure the chicken is halal sourced
- Cracker Coating
2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
- Wet Coating
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
Milk must be plain with no alcohol based additives
- For Cooking
3 tablespoons cooking oil for baking or pan cooking
Or oil spray for air fryer
Directions
- How Many Ritz Crackers Make One Cup of Crumbs
About 28 to 30 Ritz crackers make 1 cup of fine crumbs. Crushing them by hand inside a sealed bag works well and avoids turning them into powder. - Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash the chicken tenders and pat them dry using kitchen paper. Set aside. - Step 2: Make the Cracker Coating
Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a wide bowl. - Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth. - Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then roll it in the cracker crumbs until fully coated. - Step 5: Arrange for Cooking
Place coated chicken on a greased baking tray or air fryer basket. - Step 6: Bake or Air Fry
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway.
For air fryer, cook at 190°C for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once. - Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Always use halal certified chicken
- Do not use flavored crackers that contain alcohol based extracts
- Do not over crush crackers into powder
- Flip chicken once during cooking for even color
- Let chicken rest before serving for best texture
Air Fryer Method Explained Simply
Making ritz cracker chicken tenders air fryer style is great when you want less oil but the same crunch. Spray lightly with oil, do not overcrowd the basket, and flip halfway. The crackers brown beautifully without burning.
Why This Recipe Stays Juicy
The egg and milk seal moisture inside the chicken. The cracker coating cooks fast, which keeps the chicken from drying out. This balance is what makes crack chicken tenders ritz crackers so popular in home cooking.
Serving Ideas
These chicken tenders go well with many sides. You can pair them with:
- Fresh salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Oven roasted vegetables
- Homemade dips like garlic yogurt sauce
For a full meal idea, serve them with Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe for variety.
Another great pairing is a fresh bowl like Juicy Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce for balance.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ritz Cracker Chicken Tenders
Can I use Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes. Ritz crackers are one of the best breadcrumb substitutes and add more flavor.
Can Ritz crackers be substituted for bread crumbs?
Absolutely. They work well for chicken tenders, cutlets, and baked dishes.
What is the best breadcrumb substitute?
Crushed crackers, cornflakes, or oats work well, but Ritz crackers give the richest taste.
Can you use Ritz crackers as breading?
Yes. They coat evenly and brown nicely.
What can I use if I do not have bread crumbs?
Crackers, crushed cereal, or toasted bread pieces are good options.
How many Ritz crackers for one cup of crumbs?
Around 28 to 30 crackers make one cup.
Is there a difference between chicken tenders and chicken strips?
Chicken tenders come from a specific part under the breast. Strips are usually sliced breast meat.
Are chicken tenders just cut chicken breasts?
No. True tenders are a separate, softer muscle.
Which piece of chicken is the healthiest?
Chicken breast and tenders are lean and high in protein.
Can I make crack chicken tenders with ritz crackers without frying?
Yes. Baking or air frying works very well.
Why Families Love This Recipe
This recipe fits real life. It is easy to explain, easy to cook, and easy to enjoy. Kids love the crunch, adults love the flavor, and cooks love that it works every time. At Make Me Eat, recipes like this are written to be used, not just read.
You can serve these tenders at lunch, dinner, or even pack them for school meals. They taste good fresh and still hold up when reheated.
Note:
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means Make Me Eat may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the website and keep recipes free.