Description
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!
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Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined.
- Add the crumbled bacon to the mixture and mix again.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
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Season the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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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.
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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.
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For Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for a crispy finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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For Air Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
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For Pan-Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 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
- Once the tenders are cooked, garnish with some fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Cuisine: American