Crack Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. These flavorful chicken tenders are coated in a creamy ranch and cheese mixture, topped with crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. Juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over a bed of rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Let’s make some irresistibly good chicken tenders!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and bacon bits until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Tenders
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top of each tender, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden finish, broil the tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Tips
- Bacon Options: Use store-bought bacon bits for convenience, or cook and crumble fresh bacon for extra flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce over the tenders before baking.
- Cooking Alternative: For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup a breeze.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place cooked tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until warmed through.
Variations
- Cracker-Crusted: Coat the tenders with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for added crunch before topping with the cheese mixture.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a low-carb ranch seasoning mix and ensure the bacon and cheese are keto-approved.
- Buffalo Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy, tangy flavor.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix fresh parsley, thyme, or chives into the cheese mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (Approximate, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips or cook them whole. Adjust the baking time for thicker cuts.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or a garlic aioli all work beautifully with crack chicken tenders.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese mixture and season the chicken in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What sides go well with crack chicken tenders?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
