Crack Chicken Tenders - slidersrecipe

Introduction

Crispy, cheesy, and completely addictive — these Crack Chicken Tenders live up to their name! Juicy chicken strips are coated in a golden mix of cheese, ranch seasoning, and crunchy crumbs, then baked (or air-fried) to perfection. The result? A dish that’s creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and loaded with irresistible flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game-day snacks, this recipe takes just minutes to prepare and delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients List

For 4 Servings

1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing (or 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix + ½ cup sour cream)
½ cup (50 g) crumbled cooked bacon
1 cup (80 g) panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes)
2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Substitutions:

Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for extra melt.
Make it gluten-free with crushed rice crackers or almond flour.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
⏱️ 30% quicker than traditional fried chicken — with all the crunch, none of the oil!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.

Step 2: Mix the coating

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar, and half the bacon. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Spread the cheesy ranch mixture evenly over each chicken tender.
In another bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil (or butter) until coated, then sprinkle this over the chicken. Press gently so it sticks.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and topping is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Top with remaining bacon and chopped green onions. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Air Fryer Method

Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. The coating turns ultra-crispy while staying juicy inside.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 37 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Healthier Alternatives

Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Bake on a wire rack to reduce oil and improve airflow.
Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Add veggies: Serve with roasted broccoli or salad for balance.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with ranch dip, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwich rolls.
Perfect for party platters or kids’ lunches.
Add a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a full meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly.
Skipping the oil in breadcrumbs: They won’t brown properly.
Overbaking: Leads to dry chicken — remove as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Not resting the chicken: Let it rest 3 minutes before serving for juicier results.

Storing Tips

Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Store for up to 2 months; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Reheat: Use the air fryer for best crispiness.

Conclusion

The Crack Chicken Tenders combine all your favorite comfort flavors — bacon, cheese, ranch, and juicy chicken — into one mouthwatering dish that’s easy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible. 🧀🥓🔥

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes! Just cut them into strips and adjust baking time by 5 minutes longer.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
Mix sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt for a quick homemade ranch flavor.

Q4: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy ranch.

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