Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavorful elements of ranch, cheese, and crispy chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. With its irresistible taste and satisfying crunch, it’s no wonder why this dish is gaining popularity.

Why you will love this recipe

There are many reasons to love Crack Chicken Tenders. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you can whip these up without much hassle. Second, the combination of flavors is heavenly. The ranch dressing, cream cheese, and cheddar add a creamy and bold flavor, while the bacon brings a smoky crunch. Third, these tenders are versatile. You can serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or a snack. Finally, they are baked rather than fried, making them a little healthier than traditional chicken tenders.

How to prepare Crack Chicken Tenders

Preparing Crack Chicken Tenders is simple and straightforward. You will need to gather all your ingredients and follow the steps outlined below.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for getting the chicken tenders crispy and cooked through.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleaning up easier. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray to ensure even browning.
Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth mixture.
Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, which will give the tenders a delightful crunch.
Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it generously with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to cover the entire piece of chicken.
Roll in Breadcrumbs: After coating with the cream cheese mixture, roll the chicken tender in the panko breadcrumbs until it is fully covered. This step is crucial for getting that crispy outer layer.
Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each tender to promote even cooking.
Add the Bacon: Once all the tenders are on the baking sheet, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the chicken. This will add even more flavor and crunch.
Bake: Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping if desired.

How to serve Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a main dish: Serve the tenders with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
As an appetizer: Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve them with various dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
With a side: Pair the chicken tenders with fries, onion rings, or a loaded baked potato for a heartier option.

How to store Crack Chicken Tenders

Storing leftover Crack Chicken Tenders is easy. Here’s how to do it:

In the Fridge: Allow the tenders to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating leftover Crack Chicken Tenders

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them is simple:

In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to help retain moisture. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
In the Microwave: Place the tenders on a microwave-safe platter and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth.

Tips for preparing Crack Chicken Tenders

Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen ones.
Customize the Seasoning: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more garlic powder for a bolder flavor or spice it up with a bit of cayenne pepper.
Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Try serving the tenders with different sauces for more variety. Sweet and spicy sauces like sriracha mixed with honey can be a great option.

Variation

If you want to try something different, consider these variations:

Buffalo Crack Chicken Tenders: Add hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick. You can also serve them with blue cheese dressing.
Mediterranean Style: Add chopped herbs like oregano and basil to the cream cheese mixture. Serve with a tzatziki sauce.
Barbecue Crack Chicken Tenders: Mix barbecue sauce into the cream cheese and replace ranch dressing with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Are these tenders gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, replace regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to the baking stage, place them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping!

In conclusion, Crack Chicken Tenders are an irresistible dish that everyone can enjoy. Their delicious flavor and crunchy texture make them a favorite for any occasion. With easy preparation and storage, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and start cooking these tasty tenders today!

Crack Chicken Tenders