Name: Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488997H4M17S
Total time: PT-488997H4M17S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; ½ cup cooked bacon bits; 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

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Introduction

Crack Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy ranch topping. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without much effort.

A white bowl filled with a stack of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces. The chicken has a crunchy, textured coating with small green parsley flakes sprinkled on top. One piece is broken open, showing the tender, white inside of the chicken. The bowl is lined with brown paper, and in the blurred background, there is a small container of sauce on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken tenders
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup cooked bacon bits
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat them with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken tender.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top of each tender.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
Use turkey bacon bits or omit bacon to make this recipe lighter or suitable for different dietary preferences.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, to maintain the crispy topping and tender chicken.

How to Serve

A stack of six golden brown crispy fried chicken tenders sits inside a white bowl lined with brown paper. The tenders have a crunchy texture with a rough coating, some pieces sprinkled with small green chopped herbs. One tender is broken in half, revealing juicy, white meat inside. In the background, two blurred sauce cups rest on a white marbled surface, adding depth to the image. The lighting highlights the crunchy breading and fresh herbs on top, creating a warm, appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper baking time. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and shredded cheddar with dairy-free alternatives made from cashews or coconut to make it dairy-free. Just be sure to check that the ranch seasoning is also dairy-free or use a homemade blend.