Hey y'all! If you've never tried Crack Chicken Tenders before, get ready for your new go-to comfort food. These tenders are juicy, packed with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch flavors that make every bite irresistible. They're perfect for weeknight family dinners, game days, or when you just want a crowd-pleasing snack. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Incredibly juicy chicken coated in crispy, flavorful breading with melty cheese.
- Quick and easy to prep—on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters or party appetizers.
- Packed with bold ranch, bacon, and cheddar flavors everyone loves.
- Bakes up crispy in the oven with no need for frying.
Crack Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Make the Crack Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar, most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Spread 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Pat each chicken tender dry, then evenly coat each piece with the cheesy crack mixture, pressing it on firmly. Next, dredge the tenders in the breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated Crack Chicken Tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Top with reserved bacon. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh chives if desired and serve hot!
Notes for Making Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders
- If using thick chicken breasts, slice them into thinner strips for even cooking.
- For extra crunch, broil the tenders for a minute or two at the end of baking—watch closely!
- Bacon nutrition and cooking tips are available on The Spruce Eats.
Variations on Crack Chicken Tenders
- Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the crack mixture.
- Keto Crack Chicken Tenders: Swap Panko for crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option.
- Air Fryer Crack Chicken Tenders: Air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through.
Required Equipment for Crack Chicken Tenders
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Storage Instructions and Shelf Life
Let leftover Crack Chicken Tenders cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating. See more storage safety tips at FoodSafety.gov.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Pair Crack Chicken Tenders with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a full meal.
- Chop leftovers over a green salad for a delicious lunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Tenders
- Pat the chicken dry before coating for extra-crispy tenders.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—leave space for air to circulate for even browning.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—165°F is key for juicy tenders. Learn how to use one at Serious Eats.
Crack Chicken Tenders FAQ
- Can I make Crack Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Increase bake time by 2-3 minutes if starting from cold. - How do I make them gluten-free?
Swap Panko for a gluten-free breadcrumb or almond flour alternative. - Are Crack Chicken Tenders spicy?
Not by default, but you can add hot sauce or spicy seasoning for heat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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2In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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3Place flour in a second shallow bowl, and beat eggs in a third bowl.
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4Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip into the eggs, and then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
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5Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is golden and crispy. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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