Crack Chicken Tenders

Short Description

Crack Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a creamy ranch and cheese mixture, then baked or fried to perfection. Packed with flavor and crunch, these tenders make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Packed with bold, savory flavors
  • Perfect for game nights, parties, or family dinners
  • Can be baked or fried for different textures
  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken tenders
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooking oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Coating:ย In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, and bacon bits until well combined.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations:ย In one shallow dish, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken:ย Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even layer.
  4. Add Cheese Mixture:ย Gently press the cheese mixture onto each tender, making sure it adheres well.
  5. Cook the Tenders:
    • Baking:ย Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Place tenders on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Frying:ย Heat oil in a deep pan to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Fry tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:ย Let the tenders cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 4-6 people
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 20-25 minutes (baking) or 10 minutes (frying)
  • Total Time:ย 30-40 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version:ย Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Option:ย Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Air Fryer Method:ย Cook at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Different Cheese:ย Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
  • Herb-Infused:ย Mix fresh parsley or chives into the cheese mixture for a fresh twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing:ย Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating:
    • Oven:ย Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10-15 minutes.
    • Air Fryer:ย Heat at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 5-7 minutes.
    • Microwave:ย Not recommended, as tenders may become soggy.

FAQs

How do I make the coating stick better?

Make sure to press the cheese mixture firmly onto the chicken and chill the tenders for 15 minutes before cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips for a homemade version of tenders.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce are all great options.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Bread the tenders and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Whatโ€™s the best way to reheat these tenders?

The oven or air fryer will help maintain their crispiness better than the microwave.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 400ยฐF for 20-25 minutes yields a crispy and delicious result.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes like almond flour.

Can I use turkey or pork instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey tenders or thin pork cutlets for a different flavor.

Why are my tenders not crispy enough?

Make sure your oven or oil is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or pan.

How do I make these tenders even cheesier?

Mix extra cheese into the breadcrumb coating or sprinkle more on top before baking.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, combining crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you bake or fry them, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try different variations, pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!

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Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack Chicken Tenders

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking, Air-Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Theseย Crack Chicken Tendersย are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor! Coated in a delicious mix of ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, theyโ€™re baked or air-fried to perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or game day treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for low-carb)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep:
    • Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) or set your air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare Breading:
    • In a bowl, mixย cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    • In another bowl, whiskย eggs and milkย together.
    • Dip eachย chicken tenderย into theย egg mixture, then coat it in theย breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  4. Bake or Air-Fry:
    • Oven:ย Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake forย 20โ€“25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
    • Air Fryer:ย Arrange in a single layer and air-fry forย 12โ€“15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Serve & Enjoy:
    • Let the tenders cool for a few minutes, then serve withย ranch dressingย or your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

  • Forย extra crispiness, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking or air-frying.
  • Useย crushed pork rindsย instead of breadcrumbs for aย low-carb, keto-friendlyย version.
  • These can beย made ahead and frozenโ€”just reheat in the oven or air fryer!

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