Description
Crispy and cheesy Crack Chicken Tenders coated in a ranch-seasoned mixture with bacon. Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or main dish—fried, baked, or air-fried!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying or baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Set Up Breading Stations – In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken – Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Add Cheese Mixture – Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each breaded chicken tender.
- Cook the Tenders
- Frying Option: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the tenders on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve and Enjoy – Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mix for a spicier kick.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
- Different Cheese Options – Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused – Add chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Tenders, crispy chicken tenders, ranch chicken tenders, bacon chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders