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Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

Crack Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich mixture of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory spices and gooey cheese for a crowd-pleasing entrée perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Cheese and Seasoning Mixture

  • 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

Toppings

  • ½ cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Make Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  3. Prep Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat each tender with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to keep them moist during baking.
  4. Spread Mixture: Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously over each chicken tender, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer. Then evenly distribute the cooked bacon bits on top of the cheese. Optionally, add chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked bacon bits with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to use fresh green onions or chives as a garnish to enhance flavor.
  • Make sure chicken tenders are fully thawed before baking for even cooking.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, baked chicken, creamy chicken recipe, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, bacon chicken recipe

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/