Crack Chicken Tenders

These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—thanks to a savory seasoning blend and a creamy coating that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these chicken tenders are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon makes them irresistibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy & Juicy – The breading turns golden brown and crispy while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Packed with Flavor – The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon is a mouthwatering trio. Simple to Make – Easy ingredients and a simple process for a dish the whole family will love. Perfect for Dipping – Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch seasoning (or ranch dip mix)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4-5 slices)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for air frying or baking)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Frying pan (if pan-frying)
• Tongs or a fork
• Paper towels (for draining)

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders:

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined.
2. Add the crumbled bacon to the mixture and mix again.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

3. Season the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station:
   • In the first bowl, place flour.
   • In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
   • In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Take each chicken tender and dip it in the flour, coating it fully. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can choose to bake, air fry, or pan-fry the chicken tenders.

• For Baking:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for a crispy finish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• For Air Frying:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
• For Pan-Frying:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

6. Once the tenders are cooked, garnish with some fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.

What to Serve with Crack Chicken Tenders:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
• Fries or Chips: Perfect to pair with crispy fries or potato chips.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great side.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and contrast to the richness of the tenders.

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Tenders:

• Make it spicy: Add a little cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Extra crispy: For extra crunch, double-coat the tenders—dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before cooking.
• Use leftover chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken, shredded or cut into strips, and coat it in the mixture for a quicker version.
• Cook in batches: If using an air fryer or pan-frying, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from getting crispy.

Storing and Reheating:

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To keep them crispy, reheat the chicken tenders in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I make these Crack Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Q2: Can I bake these without breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, but the breadcrumbs add crunch. If you skip them, you can try a light coating of almond flour or a parmesan crust for a different texture.

Q3: Can I freeze these tenders?
A: Yes, you can freeze the breaded tenders before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake or air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

These Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit with their crispy exterior, tender chicken, and cheesy, bacon-flavored center. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re packed with irresistible flavor and perfect for dipping. Try them out and watch them disappear!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on your cooking method)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 600mg

Enjoy these flavorful tenders as a family favorite or party treat

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