Crack Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crack Chicken Tenders are juicy, crispy, and loaded with irresistible flavor from a mix of ranch seasoning, bacon, and melted cheese. Baked or air-fried to golden perfection, these addictively good tenders make an easy weeknight dinner, game day snack, or meal prep favorite that everyone will crave.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
cream cheese (softened)
ranch seasoning mix
shredded cheddar cheese
cooked bacon (crumbled)
eggs (for dredging)
panko breadcrumbs
salt
black pepper
cooking spray or olive oil

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon until smooth.

Pound or flatten the chicken tenders slightly for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper.

In one bowl, beat eggs. In another, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken tender, then dip in egg and coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Place coated tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with oil.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes for a crispier finish.
Use spicy ranch seasoning or add cayenne for heat.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Add chopped green onions to the cheese mix for a fresh bite.
Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for dipping.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Not recommended for freezing after baking—freeze raw breaded tenders instead and bake from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy.

Is there a low-carb version?
Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

What does “crack chicken” mean?
It refers to a combo of ranch, cheese, bacon, and chicken—so good it’s “addictive.”

Do I have to use panko?
Panko gives the crispiest crust, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work too.

Can I prep these ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are a crunchy, cheesy, flavor-packed twist on classic tenders that will win over even the pickiest eaters. Whether you bake or air-fry them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!

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