Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor! Coated in a delicious mix of ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, they’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
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare Breading:
- In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- Bake or Air-Fry:
- Oven: Place chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Arrange in a single layer and air-fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the tenders cool for a few minutes, then serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking or air-frying.
- Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- These can be made ahead and frozen—just reheat in the oven or air fryer!