Description
Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders are tender chicken strips coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy cheddar and bacon sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prep, delivering a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Binding
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
Cheesy Sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella / pepper jack as variation)
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: Combine ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and breadcrumbs (or chosen coating base) in a bowl to create a flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
- Coat the chicken tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry. Dip each tender in cream cheese or a beaten egg to help the coating adhere. Dredge thoroughly in the prepared breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage for maximum crispiness.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy crust with less hands-on time.
- Prepare the cheesy sauce: While tenders cook, melt cream cheese in a small pan over low heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until smooth, gooey, and well combined.
- Assemble and serve: Drizzle the cheesy bacon sauce generously over cooked tenders. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken tenders before coating to help the crust stick better and ensure crispiness.
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation and keep tenders crispy on all sides.
- Do not overcrowd the cooking pan or baking sheet to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Allow the cheesy sauce to cool slightly for a thicker, creamier texture before serving.
- For extra crunch, double dip chicken tenders in the wet and dry mixture before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders, family dinner chicken
