Name: Crack Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483829H57M30S
Total time: PT-483829H57M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup flour; Cooking spray or oil (for frying or baking)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short Description

Crack Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful blend of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The creamy, tangy flavors combined with the crunchy texture make these tenders a must-try recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor – The perfect mix of bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese ensures a bold, savory taste in every bite.
Crispy and Juicy – The coating creates a crunchy texture while keeping the chicken inside moist and tender.
Quick and Easy – Minimal prep time makes this recipe an excellent option for busy nights.
Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile – Serve it as a main dish, snack, or even in sandwiches and wraps.

Ingredients

Chicken tenders
Cream cheese
Ranch seasoning mix
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Flour
Cooking spray or oil (for frying or baking)

Directions

Preheat the Oven (If Baking): Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even crisping.
Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix until well blended.
Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in the third.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake or Fry:
- Baking Option: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Frying Option: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Variations

Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick.
Low-Carb/Keto Option – Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Air Fryer Version – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Dairy-Free Adaptation – Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 8-10 minutes (frying)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short intervals, but note that the tenders may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

What is crack chicken?

Crack chicken refers to a dish flavored with the addictive combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with crack chicken tenders?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just cut them into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking.

How do I make these extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes, opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying and use low-fat cheese.

What can I serve with these tenders?

Pair them with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, fries, or mashed potatoes.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?

Using ranch dressing instead of seasoning might make the mixture too wet; stick with the dry mix for best results.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

This recipe is best with raw chicken, but if using pre-cooked, bake only until the coating is crispy to prevent drying out.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure to press the coating firmly onto the chicken and let the breaded tenders rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, they make a fantastic meal or snack for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders!

Print