Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. These chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, while being coated with a delicious ranch, bacon, and cheese mixture that makes them incredibly addictive. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a game day snack, or a dish to impress your guests, these Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Crack Chicken Tenders because they’re bursting with flavor in every bite. The tender chicken is smothered in a creamy ranch and cheese mixture, then baked until crispy, giving you the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the ranch seasoning brings a tangy kick that everyone will love. It’s a simple yet irresistible dish that’s packed with comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4 slices)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender into the creamy ranch mixture, coating it completely.
- In a shallow dish, spread the panko breadcrumbs. Roll each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp up during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Swap out the ranch dressing for blue cheese or Caesar dressing for a different flavor profile.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ranch mixture.
- Use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for a softer coating.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese and a lighter ranch dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy texture, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you may need to cut them into strips or adjust the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative to regular bacon. Just make sure to cook it crispy before crumbling.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of baking. Store them in the fridge for up to a day and bake them when ready to serve.
4. How do I keep the coating crispy?
To maintain the crispy coating, avoid covering the tenders with foil or plastic wrap when storing or reheating. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to keep the texture crispy.
5. Can I fry these chicken tenders instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry these tenders in a deep fryer or skillet with oil. Heat the oil to medium-high and fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Can I freeze Crack Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tenders for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
8. Can I add vegetables to the ranch mixture?
Yes, you can mix in finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ranch mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
9. Can I use a gluten-free breadcrumb?
Yes, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
10. What can I serve with Crack Chicken Tenders?
These tenders go well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or even French fries. They are also perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and creamy, making them a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. With their easy preparation and irresistible flavor, these chicken tenders will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or a snack for game day, these tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more.
Print
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, cheesy ranch and bacon mixture. Baked to golden perfection, these addictive chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you need a quick dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer, these Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4 slices)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender into the creamy ranch mixture, coating it completely.
- Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese or Caesar dressing for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ranch mixture for extra heat.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and lighter ranch dressing.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *