Crack Chicken Tenders are a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken strips coated in a delicious mix of ranch seasoning, cheese, and crispy bacon. These addictive tenders are perfect for game nights, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon makes these chicken tenders incredibly tasty.
- Crispy and Juicy – A crunchy coating on the outside with tender, juicy chicken inside.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time make this recipe a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Great for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and reheated for quick meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken tenders
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare – If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Filling – In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken – Flatten the chicken tenders slightly, then spread the cheese mixture over each piece.
- Set Up Breading Station – Prepare three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Tenders – Dip each chicken tender in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken –
- For Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For Baking: Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve – Let cool slightly and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
- Air Fryer Method – Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Low-Carb Option – Use almond flour instead of regular flour and pork rinds instead of panko.
- Different Cheese – Try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko and almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs and flour.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the tenders and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
What dipping sauces go well with crack chicken tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo pair well.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes works well.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips for a similar result.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding when frying or baking.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze breaded uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen tenders?
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
Yes, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon adds the best flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the breading from falling off?
Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and let the breaded tenders rest for a few minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are an irresistible, crispy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they’re sure to be a hit. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Print
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Frying, Air-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! Coated in ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crunchy bacon, these tenders are perfect for a family dinner, game day, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Bake, fry, or air-fry them for a deliciously addictive meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Filling – In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken – Flatten the chicken tenders slightly, then spread the cheese mixture over each piece.
- Set Up Breading Station – Prepare three bowls: one with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Tenders – Dip each chicken tender in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- For Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For Baking: Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve – Let cool slightly and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and crushed pork rinds instead of panko.
- Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a flavor twist.
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