Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Crack Chicken Tenders are coated in ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar. Perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try them baked, fried, or air-fried!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven (If Baking): Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix well.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake or Fry:
- Baking Option: Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Frying Option: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: main dish, appetizer
- Method: Baking, Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken, bacon ranch chicken, easy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders