Crispy, Addictive Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe You’ll Love

Sinking your teeth into crispy crack chicken tenders that burst with unexpected flavor and crunch.

These irresistible morsels pack a serious punch of deliciousness that will make your taste buds dance.

Seasoned with a special blend of spices, each tender promises a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond ordinary chicken.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine in just the right way, creating something truly addictive.

Forget boring weeknight dinners and standard protein options – this recipe changes everything.

Crunch, savor, and enjoy every single bite of these tantalizing morsels that are guaranteed to become your new favorite meal.

You won’t be able to stop at just one serving, so get ready for a seriously delectable adventure.

Questions About Crack Chicken Tenders Answered

The name comes from how addictively delicious they are – just like the popular ranch-style dishes that people can’t stop eating! The combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon creates an irresistible flavor that makes these tenders super crave-worthy.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can easily slice chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of your chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

• Do I need fresh ranch seasoning or can I use a packet?

A ranch seasoning packet works perfectly fine for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also make your own ranch seasoning blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade touch.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! With high-protein chicken, cheese, and bacon, this dish is low-carb and fits well into a ketogenic diet. Just skip any sugary additions and stick to the base recipe for a keto-approved meal.

Why Everyone Loves Crack Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty ranch seasoning, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits, these chicken tenders deliver an irresistible taste that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and cheesy topping that transform ordinary tenders into a mouthwatering crowd favorite.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack that easily adapts to different dining occasions and satisfies everyone's cravings with its irresistible combination of flavors.

What Goes Into Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that serves as the base of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick to chicken and promotes crispy exterior.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds bold, tangy flavor profile to chicken.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and sharp flavor enhancement.
• Bacon Crumbles: Adds smoky, salty crunch and rich depth to the dish.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the overall dish, adds color and light crisp texture.

Easy Steps For Crack Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flavor Blast the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Ranch seasoning mix

Massage the seasonings into the chicken until every inch is coated with deliciousness.

Step 3: Create a Cheesy Bacon Masterpiece

Spread the seasoned chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not crowding each other – give them some personal space!

Step 4: Load on the Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Distribute these flavor bombs evenly across the chicken tenders.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• The chicken reaches 165F (75C) internal temperature
• The cheese is melted and bubbling
• The edges look golden and crispy

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Plate up these mouthwatering chicken tenders while they’re hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Simple Tips For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Customize Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles and melting textures.
• Make Bacon Crispy: Cook bacon separately until extra crisp before crumbling to ensure maximum crunchiness and even distribution.
• Create Low-Carb Option: Replace ranch seasoning with homemade low-carb spice blend using garlic powder, dried herbs, and salt for keto-friendly version.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely and avoid overcooking, keeping tenders juicy and tender.
• Enhance Protein Coating: Pat chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help spices and cheese adhere better, creating a more flavorful and crisp exterior.

How To Store Crack Chicken Tenders Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover crack chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispy texture by placing tenders on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Quick reheat works best when wrapped in damp paper towel to prevent dryness, heating for 30-45 seconds on medium power.
• Freezing Tips: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What To Serve With Crack Chicken Tenders

• Zesty Ranch Dipping Delight: Whip up a cool ranch dressing with sour cream, buttermilk, and fresh herbs to complement the rich, cheesy chicken tenders. The tangy dip cuts through the richness and adds an extra flavor punch.
• Crisp Vegetable Sidekick: Pair with a light, crunchy coleslaw or fresh garden salad to balance the heaviness of the bacon and cheese. The fresh vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the indulgent chicken.
• Beer Buddy Pairing: Choose a crisp lager or light ale that can stand up to the bold flavors. The carbonation and mild hoppiness will cleanse the palate between bites of the cheesy, savory tenders.
• Cooling Cucumber Companion: Serve with a cucumber and dill salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The cool, crisp cucumber offers a nice textural and flavor contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken tenders.

Fun Twists On Crack Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Ranch Explosion: Kick up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ranch seasoning, creating a fiery version that'll tantalize taste buds with extra zest.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace ranch seasoning with dried oregano, garlic powder, and crumbled feta cheese, transforming the dish with Greek-inspired flavors and a lighter profile.
• BBQ Bacon Blast: Swap ranch seasoning for smoky barbecue rub and top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce after baking, delivering a southern-style comfort food experience that's irresistibly rich.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the seasoning blend, then sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for an herbaceous coating that adds incredible texture and depth.

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Crack Chicken Tenders take comfort food to delicious new heights with irresistible ranch seasoning and crispy golden coating. Cheese-lovers and spice enthusiasts will devour these tender chicken strips that promise maximum flavor in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders

Cheese and Bacon:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (115 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C) and creating a non-stick surface on a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating.
2. Transform the chicken tenders into a flavor-packed dish by thoroughly massaging them with olive oil and ranch seasoning, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly covered.
3. Strategically arrange the seasoned chicken tenders across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a single layer to promote even cooking and optimal heat distribution.
4. Elevate the culinary experience by generously scattering shredded cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon over the chicken, creating a decadent topping that promises rich, savory notes.
5. Allow the chicken to roast in the preheated oven, monitoring carefully for approximately 15-20 minutes until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C) and the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
6. Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly sliced green onions as a vibrant garnish, bringing a burst of color and fresh flavor to the sizzling, cheese-laden chicken tenders, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ranch seasoning with Greek yogurt and herbs for a lighter, tangier version that cuts down on sodium and adds protein.
• Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture during baking.
• For gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free ranch seasoning or make your own blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Consider air frying instead of oven baking to reduce cooking time and create an extra crispy exterior without additional oil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 125mg