Late Night Girl Dinner
LATE NIGHT GIRL DINNER is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 830 calories per serving. Recipe by Karissa Stevens on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 24 min
Cost: $25.94 total, $25.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 pieces Ritz Crackers (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Chicken Tenderloins (skinless, boneless, about 6 oz total)
- 1 teaspoon Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (to lightly coat the air‑fryer basket)
- 2 tablespoons Trader Joe's Sweet Chili Sauce (store‑bought, check expiration date)
- 1 cup Mac and Cheese Cup (microwaveable single‑serve)
- 2 pieces Zaplas Pastries (one original flavor, one ricotta‑cream flavored; from local Italian bakery)
Instructions
Crush Ritz Crackers
Place five Ritz crackers in a zip‑top bag, seal, and crush them into fine crumbs by shaking or gently pounding.
Time: PT2M
Season the Crumbs
Transfer the crushed crackers to a small bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and toss to combine.
Time: PT1M
Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenderloins dry, then press each piece into the seasoned crumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Time: PT3M
Air‑Fry the Chicken
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket, place the coated chicken in a single layer, and cook for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: 400°F
Warm the Sweet Chili Sauce
Microwave the sweet chili sauce for about 20 seconds or heat in a small saucepan until warm.
Time: PT1M
Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Microwave the mac and cheese cup according to package directions (usually 1‑2 minutes), then stir.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Serve
Arrange the chicken tenders on a plate, drizzle with warm sweet chili sauce, place the mac and cheese cup beside them, and add the two zaplas pastries.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 830
- Protein
- 38 g
- Carbohydrates
- 78 g
- Fat
- 38 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegetarian, High protein
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Egg, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ritz Crackers: Saltine crackers, Cheese crackers
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken breast cut into strips
- Instead of Non‑Stick Cooking Spray: Olive oil spray
- Instead of Trader Joe's Sweet Chili Sauce: Any sweet chili sauce
- Instead of Mac and Cheese Cup: Homemade mac and cheese
- Instead of Zaplas Pastries: Italian cheese pastries
Equipment Needed
- Plastic Zip‑Top Bag (optional)
- Air Fryer
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Fork
- Tongs
- Microwave
- Serving Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crushing the Ritz crackers to the right consistency.
- Ensuring the chicken is fully coated before air‑frying.
- Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, add a pinch of grated Parmesan to the Ritz crumb mixture.
- If you like heat, drizzle a few drops of hot sauce onto the sweet chili sauce before serving.
- Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Troubleshooting
Chicken coating falls off during cooking.
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before coating and press the crumbs firmly onto the meat.
Chicken is undercooked in the center.
Increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes or lower the pieces to a single layer and flip halfway.
Sweet chili sauce is too thin.
Simmer the sauce for a minute to reduce it slightly, or add a pinch of cornstarch slurry.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer.
Room temperature: Zaplas pastries are best eaten the same day; keep at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Crush and season the Ritz crumbs a day ahead; store in an airtight bag.
- Coat the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 12 hours before cooking.
- Keep the sweet chili sauce in the fridge; warm just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a "girl dinner" in American home cooking?
The "girl dinner" trend is a modern, social‑media‑driven concept where a single person, often a woman, assembles a quick, satisfying plate of assorted small foods for herself. It reflects a shift toward flexible, solo dining and emphasizes convenience and comfort.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken tenders in American cuisine?
Chicken tenders are popular nationwide, but regional twists include Southern buttermilk‑marinated tenders, Midwest breaded with cornmeal, and West Coast versions using panko or gluten‑free coatings. This recipe uses Ritz crackers for a buttery, salty crunch.
How is sweet chili sauce traditionally used in American-Asian fusion dishes?
Sweet chili sauce, originally from Thai cuisine, has become a staple in American‑Asian fusion as a glaze for chicken, a dip for spring rolls, or a drizzle for tacos. Its sweet‑spicy balance pairs well with fried or air‑fried foods, as in this recipe.
What occasions or celebrations is a simple single‑serve dinner like this typically associated with in American culture?
Quick solo meals like this are common after work, during study sessions, or as a treat on busy weeknights. They’re also popular for “self‑care” moments and are often shared on social media as a personal indulgence.
What other American side dishes pair well with Ritz chicken tenders and sweet chili sauce?
Crisp coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complement the sweet‑spicy flavor and add freshness to the plate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ritz chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Common errors include overcrowding the basket, which leads to soggy coating, and not spraying the basket, causing the crumbs to stick. Also, failing to flip the tenders halfway results in uneven browning.
Why does this recipe use crushed Ritz crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs?
Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor and a slightly larger crumb texture that creates a richer, more indulgent crust compared to plain breadcrumbs, matching the sweet chili glaze nicely.
Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them for later?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 12 hours before air‑frying. Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken tenders are done?
The coating should be golden‑brown and crisp, and the interior meat should be opaque with no pink. An internal temperature of 165°F confirms doneness.
What does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens specialize in?
Karissa Stevens focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals and snack‑style dishes that can be prepared with minimal equipment, often featuring comfort foods and creative twists on everyday favorites.
How does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Karissa emphasizes speed and simplicity, using tools like air fryers and microwaveable items, while still delivering flavorful, indulgent results. She often incorporates store‑bought shortcuts without sacrificing taste, setting her apart from channels that prioritize elaborate techniques.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
