Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe – glassika recipes

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistible

Chicken lovers, get ready for a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer! These Crack Chicken Tenders are packed with ranch seasoning, melted cheddar cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and a crunchy panko coating, making them completely addictive. Whether you’re making a kid-friendly meal or looking for the ultimate comfort food, this easy recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Introduction

Chicken tenders are a classic favorite, but this Crack Chicken Tenders recipe takes them to the next level. Combining the rich flavors of ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, every bite is a perfect mix of crunch and creaminess. Plus, the addition of turkey bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that makes these tenders absolutely irresistible.

These baked or air-fried chicken tenders are great for dipping into your favorite sauces, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or meal prep. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this easy Crack Chicken Tenders recipe and learn how to make them at home!

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious Crack Chicken Tenders, you’ll need the following:

Essential Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon

Optional Add-Ins

½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon onion powder (to enhance the taste)
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a spoon to spread the mixture evenly over each piece.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the crumbled turkey bacon. Roll each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.

5. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow even cooking.

6. Bake Until Golden & Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)).

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Pair them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy buffalo dip for extra flavor!

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality chicken tenders rather than frozen ones.
Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you love an extra crunchy texture, double dip the chicken—first in the cheese mixture, then in the breadcrumbs, and repeat!
Customize the Coating: Try adding Parmesan cheese, crushed crackers, or cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a different texture.
Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Cooking Tips

To make these Crack Chicken Tenders even better, follow these pro tips:

For Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For Extra Crispiness: Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking. This helps create a golden, crispy crust.
Don’t Overbake: Chicken tenders cook quickly! Check the internal temperature to ensure they’re perfectly juicy.

Serving Suggestions

These Crack Chicken Tenders taste amazing on their own, but they’re even better when paired with delicious sides. Try serving them with:

Sweet Potato Fries for a sweet & savory balance
Coleslaw for a fresh and tangy contrast
Loaded Mashed Potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans for a healthier option
Mac and Cheese for a kid-friendly dinner

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 380
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 540mg
Sugar: 2g
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 8%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Freezing Option: Freeze the tenders before baking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips.

Can I make these low-carb?
Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, regular bacon works great! Just cook it until crispy, then crumble it before adding it to the breadcrumb mixture.

What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby jack for a different flavor.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

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Conclusion

These Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. With a simple yet delicious coating, they’re ideal for any meal. Whether you bake or air fry them, they turn out golden brown, juicy, and completely addictive. Try this recipe today and enjoy a mouthwatering, homemade meal that the whole family will love! 🍗🔥